Research Begins With Good Sources

Core Smith & Wesson References

• Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 5th Edition
  Jim Supica and Richard Nahas
  Best general reference for model identification, engineering changes, serial ranges, collector values, and production context.
• Smith & Wesson Hand Guns
  Roy C. McHenry and Walter F. Roper
  Useful early history of Smith & Wesson handguns and company development.
• The Gun Digest Book of Smith & Wesson
  Patrick Sweeney
  Helpful collector reference for Smith & Wesson models, shooting use, mechanical features, and modern collector context.

Factory Letter Resources

A factory letter is the best source for documenting original shipment date, destination, and configuration when surviving factory records are available.

• Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation
• Smith & Wesson Collectors Association Factory Letter Information

Collector Organizations

• Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation
  Primary source for Smith & Wesson factory letter research.
• Smith & Wesson Collectors Association
  Collector organization focused on research, preservation, and education.

Period Documents

Period catalogs, advertisements, manuals, and factory literature can help confirm how a firearm was marketed, described, configured, and understood during its original era.

• Factory catalogs and price lists
• Period advertisements
• Instruction sheets and owner manuals
• Shipping boxes, labels, and paperwork
• Police, military, and agency documentation

Research Tips

• Treat a serial number result as a starting point, not a final identification.
• Compare the firearm’s barrel markings, sights, finish, stocks, caliber, and frame features.
• Look for model markings inside the yoke cut on later revolvers.
• Use a factory letter when original shipment details matter.

Independent Research Notice

Seeing the Elephant is an independent educational project. It is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson, the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation, or the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association.