January 12, 2012
I have read in a previous entry that sometime in the early production days of the Models 11 and 12 that a slight change took place in the lettering/stamping. For example, the Model 11 had this particular lettering on the right-side initially;
DAN WESSON ARMS to this: DAN WESSON ARMS
MONSON, MASS. U.S.A. MONSON, MASS. U.S.A.
MODEL NO. -11- MODEL NO. D11
With the adjustable sight Model 12 the change was this: MODEL NO. D12
From what I have ascertained the lettering change came between (more or less) serial numbers 1082-1297. We may need to abreviate this somewhat as my Model 11 (serial number 1131) has the MODEL NO. -11- designation. Also does the D and W stand for Dan Wesson? Many thanks in advance for any info offered.
David
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March 27, 2009
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January 24, 2009
David Abney said
From what I have ascertained the lettering change came between (more or less) serial numbers 1082-1297. We may need to abreviate this somewhat as my Model 11 (serial number 1131) has the MODEL NO. -11- designation.
It looks to me that you have narrowed it down even further. Looks as though the change came between your 1131 & number 1297, that helps!
I believe the D & W does stand for Dan Wesson, although I have yet to find written confirmation on that. I keep hoping to stumble across a magazine article that will tell the story behind the change, or better yet, an employee from DW to join our group an answer unanswered questions like these.
Here's photos of #1082 & #1297 for posterity.
It's difficult to see number 1297's rollmarks in that photo. Number 1297 is a .357 Mag, but has the same D11 rollmark as the .38 in this photo.
January 12, 2012
Just a slight correction (I think) on the above given lettering by myself on the Model 11 and Model 12. I believe the Model 11's were given the "D" designation and the Model 12's were given the "W" marking if my guess-ti-mates are correct. Please correct me if this is wrong. Please!
Thanks in advance!
David
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January 24, 2009
David, you are right about the W12. I didn't catch that in your initial post, or I would have pointed it out.
Scorpio, here's one of my -12- guns, these have 2-digit s/n's. From what I can tell, they changed to the W12 sometime in the low 4-digit range.
Number 1616 is the highest -12- number I have in my records. If anyone has a higher -12- number, info like that is always welcome!
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