Pinpointing when a specific Smith & Wesson revolver, particularly a Model 34-1, was produced is a key piece of information for collectors and enthusiasts. This involves deciphering serial numbers and other markings often found on the firearms frame, barrel, or cylinder. These markings can reveal not only the year of production but sometimes even more specific details like the month or quarter.
Knowing the production period provides crucial context for understanding the firearm’s history, variations in design, and overall value. It helps collectors authenticate a revolver, place it within the broader narrative of Smith & Wesson’s manufacturing history, and assess its relative rarity. This information can be invaluable when buying, selling, or simply appreciating these historic firearms. Accurately dating a Model 34-1 allows for a more informed understanding of its place within the lineage of Smith & Wesson’s .22 caliber revolvers.