[hunterj61]

I have a model 19-3 S&W 6" barrel with Amarking in the crane next to the serial number, it looks like E-10 or maybe C-10. Any body know what this means. Original owner had a pistol smith smooth the action on it but did not know what the marking is for.

[rcmodel]

Odds & ends marks inside the crane cut on S&W revolvers are used by various fitters during the assembly process.

They are used to keep fitted & matching parts together during heat treating and final finish.
Aslo to later identify who did what to each gun.

Pretty much meaningless to anyone except S&W.

rc

[hunterj61]

Thanks for your reply. i have had this gun for 10 years and have been curious about it. hunterj61

[F-111 John]

Take the grips off and you'll find another treasure trove of mysterious factory markings. Here are the crane and frame markings on my Model 19-4 4".

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6131034845_6f677b2eb8_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6131586166_b295e64190_z.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6131037267_671ef36be7_z.jpg