05-10-2021
Smith And Wesson Model 1 Serial Number Lookup
I've been drooling (figuratively ) over a 'Dirty Harry' Smith & Wesson 6 1/2' model 29-2 w/ PB, TT, TH, & RC serial numbered N63xxx at a nearby shop, and am curious re its date of manufacture. All sorts of references -- oldguns.net being my favorite -- for dates on all sorts of firearms, but I cannot seem to find any site/source for this Smith & Wesson firearms!
Might you direct me to a source -- other than sending $75.00 to S&W -- where I might look up/ascertain its age? (Or, better yet if you know, and will provide info to me!)
Thanks much!!!
geo
The Smith & Wesson Model 1 was issued in three different variations. Each issue included technical advances and redesigns. Listed below are the specifications of each issue and what was changed as well as a visual example of each variation.
----------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------
- Smith And Wesson Search By Serial Number; I've been trying to find out the year of a S&W Model 36(no dash) 38 special, 3' barrel, blue. The serial number is 48J3XX Thanks in advance.:cheers: Couldn't find a Model 36 SN that is like yours. 1950-1969 shows 5-6 digit numbers with no letters and 1969-1983 all SN's start with J.
- However, S&W made 927 steel frame Model 39s in the mid 1950s. They didn't assemble or sell any of these until 1966 plus the steel frame Model 39s fall into three different serial number ranges. That is why Smith & Wesson collectors 'never say never' when asked if S&W ever made a certain configuration or variation.
Model 1 - 1st Issue
The S&W Model 1 1st Issue is the most rare. Only 12,000 were produced over 3 years.
.41 Smith & Wesson Rimfire Model Number 3 Pocket Pistol Model 3.41 r.f. Caliber, 4 shot single action revolver, bird's head grip, based on the model 1 1/2 but larger scale. Serial number 1 - 50 all manufactured in 1867, based on the Model 1 1/2 top break revolvers Model Number 1 1/2.
The distinguishing features for the 1st issue are:
• flared, square cornered shaped grip (also featured in the 2nd Issue)
• small round side plate located between the rear of the cylinder and the grip (similar to early Colt open tops)
• in early models a flat spring barrel mount catch.
There are said to also be 6 sub-variations within the 1st Issue. Each of these include minor changes in design such as the barrel latch going form a flat spring to a bayonet style. The barrel rifling and recoil shield was also changed.
Serial Numbers range for Model 1 1st issue were 1-12,000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model 1 - 2nd Issue
The 2nd Issue of the Model 1 shares the same grip and frame design as the 1st issue so they are often confused. There are several notable differences listed below.
• The side plate on the 2nd Issue was much larger and irregularly shaped replacing the round one.
• the hammer was now made in one piece
110,000 2nd Issues were produced from 1860- 1868
Serial numbers range 12,000 - 120,000
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model 1- 3rd Issue
The Model 1 3rd Issue included a more substantial change in design from the 1st and 2nd Issue.
- fluted cylinder
- round barrel
- rounded 'bird's head' style grip
- Finish options included nickel plate and blued steel
Produced from 1868 through 1882, the 3rd Issues were serial number range 1 - 131,000.
..................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................
The Model 1 1/2 had three issues. The first two (known as the first and second issues) were 'tip-up' revolvers with the barrel release catch located on the side of the frame in front of the trigger, while the third (known as the 'Model 1 1/2 Single Action Revolver') was a 'top-break', with the barrel release catch located on the top of the frame, just in front of the hammer.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model 1 1/2 1st Issue
S&w Model 29 2 Value
The first issue of the Model 1 1/2 can be identified by :
·square shape of the grip butt
· most had 3 1/2' barrels, 4' barrel were made but less common
Serial number range 1 - 26,300
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model 1 1/2 - 2nd Issue
The second issue of the Model 1 1/2 features:
·rounded barrel
·also produced in blued steel and nickel plated finish
· commonly 3 1/2' barrel, A rare 2 1/2' barrel was also made with the barrel markings on the side of the barrel as opposed to the top strap on 3 1/2' barrels.
2nd Issue serial numbered consecutively after the 1st Issue were 26,300 - 127,000.
There was a transitional run in 2nd issue that used unrounded 1st issue barrels. The serial number range for transitional models was approximately 27,200 through 28,800.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Smith And Wesson 629-1 Serial Number Lookup
Single Action Revolver
The third issue Model 1 1/2 is known as the 'Model No. 1 1/2 Single Action Revolver'
·Top break design (just forward of the hammer)
· large hinge located in front of and just below the barrel
· an extractor that ejects spent cartridges when the barrel is opened
·rounded butt grips similar to ones on the 2nd Issue
·marked the debut of the .32 S&W centerfire cartridge.
Serial numbers range 1 - 97,500