Date of S&W??

[oneounceload]

Does anyone here have a way to date a S&W pistol by serial number? It is 55XXX, 38 spl, former NYPD service pistol used by my dad during the 50's-80's. It appears to be a K frame, but if earlier?????

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[chupacabrah]

i did a search and found a guys email address @ smith & wesson and sent him the serial and asked date of manufacture. If someone else doesn't come back w/ a better solution, i can get his address tomorrow

 

[Guillermo]

Old Fuff will probably know off of the top of his head. He is an encyclopedia of old smith knowledge.

If he doesn't come along soon send him a PM.

 

[Baba Louie]

1903-1904 #33804-62449
But I have a hard time believing that NYPD kept old M&P's around that long for issue weapons.

 

[oneounceload]

1903-1904 #33804-62449
But I have a hard time believing that NYPD kept old M&P's around that long for issue weapons

As do I, but his off-duty Colt DS dates from 1928....unless he bought an older cop's gun?..Unfortunately, I can't ask him about these any longer.......

 

[oneounceload]

when putting the original grips back on it for a pic, I noticed a number, "C132XXX" on the bottom of the grip - could that be the serial number, and if so, what is that other number from the crane?.....

 

[Gator]

The number on the crane is an assembly number. C132XXX is the serial number, 1948-1952 according to the SCSW.

 

[oneounceload]

Awesome - thanks again!

 

[SaxonPig]

There's a "sticky" post at the top of this forum regarding common S&W ID tips. The serial is always on the butt. I make your gun as late 1951 or early 1952.

 

[Old Fuff]

See, ya' didn't need the Olf Fuff after all.

 

[Guillermo]

Of COURSE they needed you Old Fuff. They were just too hard headed to admit it!

BTW...is it true that you can tell the date of manufacture of an old smith by taste or is that an internet rumor?

 

[The Bushmaster]

They're callin you old...Go get'em Old Fluff!!!

 

[Old Fuff]

Just remember... age = knowledge and experience...

 

[Old Fuff]

Just remember, age = knowledge and experience...

I go back so far I remember guns before polymer was discovered.