Help identifying age of pistol

[kentuckychaz]

About 14 years ago I inherited a S&W model 38 airweight, 38 special revolver. Was wondering if I could identify the approximate age of the pistol. I think it's from at least the 80s and possible older. The serial number is 1J22453 any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[greencobra]

any help?

J serial Prefix serial numbers.
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50.

1969-1970 = J1 - J99999
1971-1972 = 1J1 - 999J99
1973-1974 = J100000 - J250000
1975-1976 = J250001 - J370000
1976-1977 = J370001 - J610000
1977-1978 = J610001 - J670000
1979-1980 = J670001 - J760000
1981 = J760001 - J915400
1982 = J915401 - 1J18600
1983 = 1J18601 - 1JXXXX

 

[FPrice]

According to the Standard Catalog of Smith&Wesson 4th Edition:

Year Serial Number
1983 1J18603 - xxxxx

So 1983 or 84 is my best estimate.

 

[kentuckychaz]

any help?

J serial Prefix serial numbers.
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50.

1969-1970 = J1 - J99999
1971-1972 = 1J1 - 999J99
1973-1974 = J100000 - J250000
1975-1976 = J250001 - J370000
1976-1977 = J370001 - J610000
1977-1978 = J610001 - J670000
1979-1980 = J670001 - J760000
1981 = J760001 - J915400
1982 = J915401 - 1J18600
1983 = 1J18601 - 1JXXXX

Great, thanks!

 

[kentuckychaz]

According to the Standard Catalog of Smith&Wesson 4th Edition:

Year Serial Number
1983 1J18603 - xxxxx

So 1983 or 84 is my best estimate.

Perfect, just about what I had guess. Thank you!

 

[CrackPot]

S&W customer service will give you a month/year of manufacture if you call them and provide the serial number.

 

[nstassel]