Smith And Wesson Revolver Serial Numbers Database Verified -

Specific prefixes began designating frame sizes and models, such as:

From the mid-19th century until 1968, S&W used straight numeric sequences, starting at number 1 for each new model or frame type. smith and wesson revolver serial numbers database

Taken directly from the frame butt (not the crane). Specific prefixes began designating frame sizes and models,