Smith Wesson Historical Foundation, We are committed to the preservation of the legacy of Smith Wesson. We are here to help collectors from around the world obtain a letter of authenticity as well as historical documents about their guns. This type of documentation adds value to any collection. Visit our website to learn more. The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition is the ultimate S&W gun guide! In this highly anticipated, detailed revision is a fully annotated identification and price guide to the world of Smith & Wesson revolvers, semi-autos, shotguns, rifles, military arms and other collectibles. Serial numbers are located on the inside right grip, frame butt, Cylinder, extractor star, and bottom of grip. Serial numbers should be matching on all revolvers. Crane and Crane recess are also serial numbered to each other, but this is a different number then the revolvers serial number.

A Brief Overview of the History of Smith & Wesson

Look up the pistol's full serial number - including all letters and numbers - in the back section of the 'Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson' book. These listings inform you of the pistol's date of manufacture, based on the serial number. Items you will need Smith and Wesson pistol. Smith Wesson Serial Numbers - Sigma Series. Smith Wesson Serial Numbers - SW99. Once you've located the serial number, then you can try to contact Smith and Wesson and see if they can give you an information about your particular gun like date of manufacture or other specific details.

For starters, the Smith & Wesson company has been around for OVER 150 YEARS! In addition to being one of the oldest firearm companies, Smith & Wesson is also known as the largest gun manufacturer in the world. S&W is well known the world round for their revolvers and handguns. The company has gone through it's fair share of ups and downs over the past 150 years, but in the end it has both survived and thrived. The founders of S&W were Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson. Horace gained his firearms experience while working in the National Armory, while Daniel gained his valuable firearms experience while working with his brother Edwin Wesson, a well known gun maker at the time. Horace and Daniel joined forces to start Smith and Wesson in 1852. Listed below are some of the highlights and popular weapons that Smith and Wesson has produced over the years.

OVERVIEW OF SMITH & WESSON GUN HISTORY

1852 - Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson produce a lever action Volcanic pistol.

1854 - Due to financial difficulties, Volcanic Repeating Arms company sold to Winchester.

1856 - Smith & Wesson join again to create a new rimfire revolver known as the Model 1.

1870 - Model 3 revolver is released - famous .44 & .45 caliber revolvers.

1880 - S&W releases a .38 double action revolver.

1899 - The famous Model 10 revolver (aka .38 Military & Police) released.