OK so I have a few S&W revolvers I have come into possession over the years. Recently I have decided to catalog all my firearms so in the event I should kick the bucket my wife/kids/family know what to do. These are indexed and color coded index cards, they will have make, model, caliber, serial # , accessories etc. The cards will be color coded as to , OK to sell, Family heirloom/DO NOT SELL, to NFA and collectors with rising values.

Now ALL my S&W revolvers with the exception of 2 do not have a MOD # in by the cylinder crane. I do see some numbers there, and others under the grips. I have found reference to the number under the grips to be the correct serial number
But how does one know/figure the frame size/style from looking at the said revolvers? Is there a number or something to identify?

Thank you in advance.
Snert

Smith didn't begin using model numbers until 1957.  Prior to that everything had a name, like Hand Ejector Military and Police Model, or a year designation, like Model 1917.  The two you have most likely pre-date the numbering system. Post photos here and we can help.  Or buy the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, available at most book stores or Amazon.

I believe I have about 10 S&W revolvers of the 10 only 2 have the Mod# the remaining 8 do not. Sp 8 or so pre-date and 2 post date.
I will get some pictures and try to post them up in the next 24.

I could buy the book, BUT we all like show and tell much much more...

One of best articals to read as you start down the road of S&W Revolver addiction.

Smith and Wesson 38-357 Guide

Attached File

having a camera issue, will post a few pics when I get it resolved.

Well on edit---for some reason when I attach the pics and do a preview the show up as thumbnail pics. Once I hit submit it converts to the jibberish below, Sorry I'm not so techno savey and little patience with this stuff. ---

Hopefully this works.. Sorry not so great at photography. All guns have real nice deep blue finish with little to no wear. Besides some turn marks on them the rest is lint/fibers from gun cloth, very obvious on the last pic of 686.

This one is a .22lr 6 shot.

<a href='https://postimg.org/image/9owl2vbfv/' target='_blank'><img src='https://s25.postimg.org/9owl2vbfv/IMG_3711.jpg' border='0' alt='postimage'/></a>


This one is a .38spc

<a href='https://postimg.org/image/oanlr488b/' target='_blank'><img src='https://s25.postimg.org/oanlr488b/IMG_3715.jpg' border='0' alt='postimage'/></a>

My fathers off duty gun in .38spc.

<a href='https://postimg.org/image/xas7bb4bv/' target='_blank'><img src='https://s25.postimg.org/xas7bb4bv/IMG_3723.jpg' border='0' alt='postimage'/></a>

Then we have this one, it has both .22lr cyl and a matching .22 mag cyl. you have to swap out to change cal. I think this is a mod 48

<a href='https://postimg.org/image/my5wp8asr/' target='_blank'><img src='https://s25.postimg.org/my5wp8asr/IMG_3718.jpg' border='0' alt='postimage'/></a>

These are the main ones I'm interested in finding more about. All have slight drag marks on the cylinders and very little holster wear, the blotch spots are oil from my gun cloth. I do want to find the correct grips for the two just due to my OCD for correctness, along with the rear sight for the scoped .22.

and two more just for giggles the 686-1 and highway patrolman both in .357..
<a href='https://postimg.org/image/7yi5f4jaj/' target='_blank'><img src='https://s25.postimg.org/7yi5f4jaj/IMG_3703.jpg' border='0' alt='postimage'/></a>

<a href="https://postimg.org/image/sjwx710vf/" target="_blank"><img src="https://s25.postimg.org/sjwx710vf/IMG_3705.jpg" alt="IMG_3705"/></a>

Hopefully this works.. Sorry not so great at photography. All guns have real nice deep blue finish with little to no wear. Besides some turn marks on them the rest is lint/fibers from gun cloth, very obvious on the last pic of 686.

This one is a .22lr 6 shot.




This one is a .38spc



My fathers off duty gun in .38spc.



Then we have this one, it has both .22lr cyl and a matching .22 mag cyl. you have to swap out to change cal. I think this is a mod 48



These are the main ones I'm interested in finding more about. All have slight drag marks on the cylinders and very little holster wear, the blotch spots are oil from my gun cloth. I do want to find the correct grips for the two just due to my OCD for correctness, along with the rear sight for the scoped .22.

and two more just for giggles the 686-1 and highway patrolman both in .357..




I tried to fix it for you.  Image are still small.

one more attempt.. will do just the pictures in the same order as above

MCB, Thank you for the help and attempt, looks like I got it now.. Thanks again!!

This on is in .22lr 6 shot.


This one in .38spc 6 shot


My dads off duty gun in .38spc


This one is .22lr/.22Mag has 2 cyl mounted on the crane to swap out, seems to be a matched setup. I belive this to be a Mod-48  



And last the 686-1 and Highway Patrolman .357's just for giggles.

Top is a .22 combat masterpiece ( model 18 after 1957, so it is a pre model number five screw gun made probably in the early 50's
Next is a 38/44 outdoorsman ( pre model 23 also five screw also likely made in the early 50's)
Third is a chiefs special pre model 36

Really nice set of revolvers. The early ones are worth some money. If you can find some original grips I would go ahead and do so.

That is what I will be looking for at the next few shows, including the rear sight for the scoped .22lr/mag.

What he said