S&W no. 3 serial numbers???

I'm trying to date a second model no 3. Serial 33###. Anybody know it's birthdate? Thanks.

A second model No3 what?

@dates from memory, but should be close:

1st Model American @1869-1870
2nd Model American=1st Model Russian (difference is cartridge) @1870-1875
2nd Model Russian @1873-1877
1st Model Schofield @1874-75 (Based on a heavily altered American frame)
2nd Model Schofield @1875-77 (your stated serial number is far too high to be one)
3rd Model Russian @1878-1891ish (licenced production in Russia may have continued into 20th century)
New Model (+ various serial ranges starting from 1) @1880-1913 (all frames believed to have been manufacturer before 1898, shipped until @1913)
New Model Target (+ various serial ranges starting from 1) @1880-1913 (all frames believed to have been manufacturer before 1898, shipped until @1913)


All S&W manufactured 2nd Model Americans and 2nd Model Russians were manufactured during the 1870's; except some were also licence manufactured in Russia, Germany & Belgium. Other unlicenced production took place in Spain, Turkey and possibly Mexico and South America.

Second and Third Model Russians were purchased by Turkey (many converted to .44Henry), Russia, Japan ect.

A major issue is that S&W tended to issue new serial ranges (starting from zero) for various contracts and different calibers ~ .32-44 and .38-44 New Model 3 target revolvers have their own serial blocks, as do .38 WCF and .44 WCF New Model 3 "Frontier" revolvers.
 
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