Smith & Wesson Revolver Serial Numbers Database — A Practical Guide for Collectors
For collectors, historians, and buyers, Smith & Wesson (S&W) revolver serial numbers are the key to unlocking a firearm’s production date, model lineage, and provenance. This post explains what serial-number databases are, how to use them responsibly, where to look (and what to avoid), and best practices when researching and documenting S&W revolvers.
The detective's quest had only just begun, but with the help of Alex's incredible database, he was one step closer to unraveling the secrets of the stolen Smith & Wesson revolver.
Developing a comprehensive S&W revolver serial numbers database requires a significant amount of research, data collection, and verification. Some of the challenges involved in creating such a database include:
The World War II Era: S&W began using letter prefixes to distinguish production lines, most notably the "V" prefix for the "Victory Model" revolvers.
- Prefixes: S&W uses a variety of prefixes to indicate the model, production date, and other information. For example, the "K" prefix was used for the Model 10, while the "J" prefix was used for the Model 36.
- Suffixes: S&W also uses suffixes to indicate additional information, such as the type of finish or the presence of special features. For example, a "V" suffix might indicate a nickel finish, while an "N" suffix might indicate a non-reflective finish.
- Serial Number Ranges: As mentioned earlier, S&W serial number ranges can help identify the production date and model of a firearm.
Post-WWII to 1980s: Prefixes like K, S, C, D, J, and N were introduced to distinguish different frame sizes (e.g., "K" for medium frames, "J" for small frames).
Identifying the production date of a Smith & Wesson revolver involves locating the serial number on the butt of the frame, the cylinder face, or underneath the barrel, while ignoring assembly numbers in the yoke. While no single public database exists, collectors utilize the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation for definitive research
Smith And Wesson Revolver Serial Numbers Database [better]
Smith & Wesson Revolver Serial Numbers Database — A Practical Guide for Collectors
For collectors, historians, and buyers, Smith & Wesson (S&W) revolver serial numbers are the key to unlocking a firearm’s production date, model lineage, and provenance. This post explains what serial-number databases are, how to use them responsibly, where to look (and what to avoid), and best practices when researching and documenting S&W revolvers.
The detective's quest had only just begun, but with the help of Alex's incredible database, he was one step closer to unraveling the secrets of the stolen Smith & Wesson revolver. smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database
Developing a comprehensive S&W revolver serial numbers database requires a significant amount of research, data collection, and verification. Some of the challenges involved in creating such a database include: Smith & Wesson Revolver Serial Numbers Database —
The World War II Era: S&W began using letter prefixes to distinguish production lines, most notably the "V" prefix for the "Victory Model" revolvers. Prefixes: S&W uses a variety of prefixes to
- Prefixes: S&W uses a variety of prefixes to indicate the model, production date, and other information. For example, the "K" prefix was used for the Model 10, while the "J" prefix was used for the Model 36.
- Suffixes: S&W also uses suffixes to indicate additional information, such as the type of finish or the presence of special features. For example, a "V" suffix might indicate a nickel finish, while an "N" suffix might indicate a non-reflective finish.
- Serial Number Ranges: As mentioned earlier, S&W serial number ranges can help identify the production date and model of a firearm.
Post-WWII to 1980s: Prefixes like K, S, C, D, J, and N were introduced to distinguish different frame sizes (e.g., "K" for medium frames, "J" for small frames).
Identifying the production date of a Smith & Wesson revolver involves locating the serial number on the butt of the frame, the cylinder face, or underneath the barrel, while ignoring assembly numbers in the yoke. While no single public database exists, collectors utilize the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation for definitive research