Manufacture date for S&W Model 40, serial #204XX

[goalie]

I am wondering if anyone could tell me the manufacture date for a S&W Model 40, serial #204XX?

Pics of it are in the revolver forum in a thread started by me.

Thanks in advance.

 

[jacobtowne]

If there is no L prefix, all the book says is 1952-1971. (Supica's Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson.)
JT

 

[goalie]

Thanks.

 

[Brian Williams]

Is it marked with a model number, IIRC you were told it was a 40, but you did not tell us, so I am figuring it is really a Pre-40 because there is an upper sideplate screw, that would make it before model numbers(1957) and before they dropped the upper screw which was 1955 and there were three variations of the flat thumb latch and I am not sure on those.

 

[goalie]

Is it marked with a model number, IIRC you were told it was a 40, but you did not tell us, so I am figuring it is really a Pre-40 because there is an upper sideplate screw, that would make it before model numbers(1957) and before they dropped the upper screw which was 1955 and there were three variations of the flat thumb latch and I am not sure on those.

Where would the model number be marked? It is not on the barrel.

Thanks.

 

[BADSBSNF81]

Open the cylinder and look inside where the crane assembly rests. If it has a model number, you will find it there.

 

[goalie]

It says MOD - 40 inside the crane. It is a 3-screw though, so I don't quite know what that means.

Either way, it shoots great, and carries comfortably.