.Note that a number of N frames with serials in the S138000-S140000 range (and the range may be wider either way) are seen that were shipped much later than the serial would suggest should be the case. In one known example a gun with serial S136431 was not shipped until June of 1958. A new serial number system. The new system consists of four sets of digits separated by a hyphen. The first set is the manufacturers code, the second designates the type of firearm, the third set is the firearms chronological number, the fourth set shows the year of mfg. AYA 1995-2006 Year ser. # end 199516-03-001-95 16-03-800-95.
PROCESS for Ordering SWHF Letters:
The SWHF has two letters that may be issued on S&W firearms. The first one is the “Letter of Authenticity”. It is what was called the factory letter when Smith & Wesson issued the letters. It includes information on the model and gives information, when available, on when and where the gun was shipped and how it was outfitted. Although these files can go back to 1858 the information generally just supplies the date shipped through 1880. Later dates normally have more information. The Letter of Authenticity request form may be downloaded below. At this time, it may not be completed electronically, but must be printed (it is a .PDF file), completed, and mailed with payment to the Warren, MA address below. You will receive your letter of Authenticity within 8 to 12 weeks of receipt.
The second letter is the “Historical Letter”. This letter will take the information from the completed Letter of Authenticity and allow us to do a search for additional information in the digitized files. These records only include the time frame from 1920 to 1966. Many times, we find very interesting information. Sometimes a copy of the invoice may be found. Other times, there is no additional information. The request form can be found at the link below. YOU MUST INCLUDE A COPY OF THE LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY WITH YOUR HISTORICAL LETTER REQUEST FORM. The request form should be mailed to the Great Bend, KS. address. Once we do the research, we will contact you, let you know what we have found give you the choice of obtaining the copies or not and what the charge will be. If we do not find anything there will be no charge.
Process For Ordering A Letter of Authenticity:
Print Complete and mail along with payment to: SWHF c/o Mr. Roy G. Jinks, Historian P.O. Box 669 Warren, MA 01083
S W Serial Numbers Chart
Process For Ordering A Foundation Historical Letter:
S&w Serial Number Lookup Revolvers
Print and Email or send in Post Please email the completed form to smithwessonhf@hotmail.com or print and post it to the SWHF, P.O. Box 1494 ,Great Bend, KS 67530
Smith And Wesson Serial Number Database
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE SMITH WESSON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION AND PLEASE BE PATIENT FOR YOUR COMPLETED LETTER REQUESTS TO BE FULLFILLED. LETTERS ARE CURRENTLY TAKING FROM 10-16 WEEKS. WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE.