Smith And Wesson Model 18 Serial Numbers
- Smith And Wesson Model 18-3 Serial Numbers
- Smith And Wesson Model 36 Serial Numbers
- Smith Wesson Serial Number Lookup
Hey all i have been offered a reasonable condition S&W model 18-4.22lr revolver with a 4' barrel.Has any one got an opinion? For those Smith Wesson with serial numbers, see the pictures below to find where to look. Smith Wesson Serial Numbers - Revolvers. Smith Wesson Serial Numbers - Pistols. There are some exceptions to the locations shown above for certain S&W pistols. On the Sigma series and the SW99 models, you will find the serial number in the locations shown.
| Smith & Wesson Model 1 | |
|---|---|
A Smith & Wesson Model 1, 2nd Issue. This is a two patent date variety shown next to a period box of .22 short black powder cartridges. | |
| Type | Revolver |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Produced | 1857-1882 |
| No. built | approx. 12,000 (1st Issue), 110,000 (2nd Issue), 131,000 (3rd Issue) |
| Specifications | |
| Caliber | |
| Action | Single Action |
| Feed system | 7-round cylinder |
| Sights | Fixed |
The Smith & Wesson Model 1 was the first firearm manufactured by Smith & Wesson, with production spanning the years 1857 through 1882. It was the first commercially successful revolver to use rimfire cartridges instead of loose powder, musket ball, and percussion caps. It is a single-action, tip-up revolver holding seven .22 Short black powder cartridges.[1]
- 1History
- 2Variants
History[edit]
Early history[edit]
As Samuel Colt's patent on the revolver was set to expire in 1856, Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson were researching a prototype for a metallic cartridge revolver. When they discovered that a former Colt employee named Rollin White held the patent for a 'Bored-through' cylinder, a component needed for this new invention, the two partners approached White to manufacture a newly designed revolver-and-cartridge combination.[2]
Rather than make White a partner in their company, Smith and Wesson paid him a royalty of $0.25 on every 'Model 1' revolver that they made. It would become White's responsibility to defend his patent in any court cases which eventually led to his financial ruin, but was very advantageous for the new Smith & Wesson Company.[2]
Variants[edit]
The Model 1 had three issues or major variants, with each subsequent issue introducing significant technical changes.
1st Issue[edit]
The 1st Issue of the Model 1 was the first major iteration (and the least common), with approximately 12,000 produced over a three-year period. The features that easily distinguish the 1st issue are the flared, square cornered shaped grip (also seen in the 2nd Issue), the small round side plate, the round profile of the frame between the back of the cylinder and the grip, a split articulated hammer, and the flat spring barrel latch seen in some early variants.[2]
Smith And Wesson Model 18-3 Serial Numbers
There are six known variations of the Model 1, first identified in an article by John Kountz in the April 1956 issue of 'The Gun Report'. In this article, Kountz noted specific differences in the recoil shield, the barrel latch (the first two variations used a dart style flat spring catch, while later variations used a larger bayonet release), the rifling and other subtle differences.[3]
Serial numbers were issued sequentially for the Model 1 1st Issues ranging from 1 through approximately 12,000.[3]
2nd Issue[edit]
The 2nd Issue of the Model 1 looked similar to the 1st Issue, with several notable differences. The side plate on the 2nd Issue was much larger and irregularly shaped. The profile of the frame was flatter (a likely concession for manufacturing efficiency), and the hammer was now made in one piece. Model 1 2nd Issues still had the flared, square cornered shaped grip and the octagonal tip-up style frame, and at first glance the two issues are easy to confuse.[3]
There are several variations of the 2nd Issue guns. Variants between serial numbers 12,000 through to about 20,000 involve the shape of the side plate ('straight' or 'round'), the design of the trigger spring (flat spring, V spring or coil spring), and the number of patent dates on the cylinder (two or three). There was also a decrease in the size of the barrel roll stamps at around serial number 95,000. 2nd Issue marked '2D QUAL'TY' are also seen occasionally.
There were approximately 110,000 2nd Issues produced from 1860 through 1868, with serial numbers ranging from approximately 12,000 (following the 1st Issue) through to approximately 120,000.[3]
3rd Issue[edit]
The Model 1, 3rd Issue represented a substantial redesign for the Model 1, with a fluted cylinder, a round barrel and a rounded 'bird's head' style grip. Finishes included full nickel plating, full blued steel, and a 'half plate' nickel/blue combo, and there were two barrel lengths offered by the factory. Variants include the 'square' and 'triangular' top strap design that changed around serial number 9,500. The 3rd Issue guns were produced from 1868 through 1882 with serial numbers from 1 through approximately 131,000.[3]
Popularity[edit]
The Model 1 was in popular demand with the outbreak of the American Civil War as soldiers from all ranks on both sides of the conflict made private purchases of the revolvers for self-defense. So much that orders for the Model 1 revolver outpaced the factory's production capabilities, forcing Smith & Wesson to expand into a new facility and began experimenting with a new cartridge design more suitable than the .22 Short in 1860.[4]
This popularity led to numerous knockoffs and patent infringements by other armsmakers. Rolin White and S&W brought infringement cases against Manhattan Firearms Company, Ethan Allen, Merwin & Bray, National Arms Company and others. The courts mostly allowed these manufacturers to continue production runs, with a royalty on each revolver paid to White. In some cases, Smith & Wesson bought the revolvers back to remark and sell; these are marked 'APRIL 3 1855' as a patent date.[5]
References[edit]
- ^Chicoine, David (2005). Antique Firearms Assembly/Disassembly: The Comprehensive Guide to Pistols, Rifles & Shotguns. Iola, Wisconsin: Krause Publications. pp. 171–172. ISBN0-87349-767-8.
- ^ abcBoorman, Dean K. (2002). The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms. Globe Pequot Press. pp. 18–22. ISBN978-1-58574-721-4.
- ^ abcdeSupica, Jim; Nahas, Richard (2007). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. pp. 30–37. ISBN0-89689-293-X.
- ^Kinard, Jeff (2004). Pistols: An Illustrated History of Their Impact. ABC-CLIO. pp. 114–117. ISBN978-1-85109-470-7.
- ^Walter, John (2007). Rifles of the World (3 ed.). Krause Publications. pp. 108–109. ISBN978-0-89689-241-5.
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Smith And Wesson Model 36 Serial Numbers
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Learn pricing and values for these Smith & Wesson firearms:
| Smith & Wesson Model 1, 1st Issue Revolver | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 1 2nd Issue | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 1 3rd Issue | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 1-1/2 1st Issue (1-1/2 Old Model) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 1-1/2 2nd Issue (1-1/2 New Model) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 1-1/2 Transitional Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army or Old Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Single-Action (Model 1-1/2 Centerfire) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Single-Action 1st Model (Baby Russian) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Single-Action 2nd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Single-Action 3rd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Single-Action Mexican Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Double-Action 1st Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Double-Action 2nd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Double-Action 3rd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Double-Action 4th Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Double-Action 5th Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless 3rd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Double-Action 1st Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Double-Action 2nd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Double-Action 3rd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Double-Action 4th Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Double-Action 5th Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Double-Action Perfected | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless 1st Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless 3rd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless Army Test Revolver | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless 4th Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless 5th Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 3 American 1st Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 3 American 2nd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 1st Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 2nd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Commercial Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .44 Rimfire Henry Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Russian Contract Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson 1st Model Turkish Contract | |||||
| Smith & Wesson 2nd Model Turkish Contract | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Japanese Government Contract | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 3rd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian 3rd Model (Loewe & Tula Copies) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 3 Schofield 1st Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 3 Schofield 2nd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 3 Schofield – Surplus Models | |||||
| Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Single-Action | |||||
| Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Japanese Naval Contract | |||||
| Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Japanese Artillery Contract | |||||
| Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Maryland Militia Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Argentine Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Australian Contract | |||||
| Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Turkish Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Target Single-Action | |||||
| Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Frontier Single-Action | |||||
| Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 – .38 Winchester | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .44 Double-Action 1st Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Standard .44 S&W Russian | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model .44 Double-Action Wesson Favorite | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model .44 Double-Action Frontier | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model .38 Winchester Double-Action | |||||
| Smith & Wesson 1st Model Single-Shot | |||||
| Smith & Wesson 2nd Model Single-Shot | |||||
| Smith & Wesson 3rd Model Single-Shot | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Straight Line Single-Shot | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1896 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector Model of 1903 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 1st Change | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 2nd Change | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 3rd Change | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 4th Change | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 5th Change | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Third Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .22 Ladysmith 1st Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .22 Ladysmith 2nd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .22 Ladysmith 3rd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Military & Police 1st Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Commercial Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector U.S. Navy Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector U.S. Army Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector M&P 2nd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector M&P 2nd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1905, 1st Change | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1905, 2nd Change | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1905, 3rd Change | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1905, 4th Change | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .22-32 Hand Ejector | |||||
| Smith & Wesson “The True Bekeart” | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 1st Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .44 S&W Special and .44 S&W Russian | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .44 S&W Special | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 3rd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector S&W Special | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 4th Model (Target Model) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .45 Hand Ejector U.S. Service Model of 1917 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .455 Mark II Hand Ejector 1st Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .455 Mark II Hand Ejector 2nd Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .35 Automatic Pistol | |||||
| Smith & Wesson .32 Automatic Pistol | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 10 (.38 Military & Police) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Victory Model | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 11 (.38/200 British) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 12 (.38 Military & Police Airweight) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model USAF M-13 (Aircrewman) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 13 (.357 Military & Police) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 14 (K-38 Masterpiece) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 15 (K-38 Combat Masterpiece) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 16 (K-32 Masterpiece) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 16 (.32 Magnum) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model K-32 Combat Masterpiece | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 17 (K-22) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 17 Plus | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 617 Plus | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 647 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 648 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 648 (New Model) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 18 (K-22 Combat Magnum) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 19 (.357 Combat Magnum) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 20 (.38/.44 Heavy Duty) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 21 (1950 Military) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 696 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 22 (1950 .45 Military) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 23 (.38-44 Outdoorsman) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 17 Plus | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 617 Plus | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 647 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 648 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 648 (New Model) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 18 (K-22 Combat Masterpiece) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 19 (.357 Combat Magnum) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 20 (.38/.44 Heavy Duty) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 21 (1950 Military) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 696 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 22 (1950 .45 Military) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 23 (.38-44 Outdoorsman) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 22 – Thunder Ranch .45 ACP | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 24 (.44 Target Model of 1950) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 25 (.45 Target Model of 1950) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 25-3 125th Anniversary | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 25-2 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 25 Mountain Gun | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 625-2 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 625 IDPA | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 625 JM (Jerry Miculek) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 625 Mountain Gun | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 325 Night Guard | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 610 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 26 (1950 .45 Target) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model Factory Registered .357 Magnum | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model Pre-war .357 Magnum | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 27 (.357 Magnum) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 627 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 627 Pro Series | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 327 Night Guard | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 28 (Highway Patrolman) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 29 (.44 Magnum) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 629 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 629 Classic | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 629 Classic DX | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 629 Mountain Gun | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 629 Backpacker | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 629 Classic Powerport | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model Fiftieth Anniversary Model 29 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 30 (The .32 Hand Ejector) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 31 (.32 Regulation Police) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 31 (.32 Regulation Police Target) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 32 (.38/.32 Terrier) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 33 (.38 Regulation Police) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 34 (.22/.32 Kit Gun) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 35 (.22/.32 Target) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 317 AirLite | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 317 AirLite Kit Gun | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 317 AirLite Ladysmith | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 325PD | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 331 AirLite | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 332 AirLite | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 337 AirLite | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 337 Kit Gun | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 337 PD | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 340 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 340 PD | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 342 AirLite | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 342 PD | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 315 Night Guard .38 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 351PD | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 360 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 360 Kit Gun | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 386 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 386 PD | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 386 Sc/S | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 396 Mountain Lite | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 396 Night Guard | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 242 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 296 | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 329PD | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 329 Night Guard | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 610 (2007 Reintroduction) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 36 (.38 Chief’s Special) | |||||
| Smith & Wesson Model 36LS (.38 Ladysmith) | |||||
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Smith Wesson Serial Number Lookup
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