This unique identifier, etched into every firearm manufactured by Smith & Wesson, serves as a permanent record linking the weapon to its production date and specific configuration. Like a fingerprint, it distinguishes each individual firearm. For example, it can differentiate a .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903, Fourth Change, from others of the same model. This specific model, often associated with the provided keywords, highlights the granularity these identifiers offer.
Knowing this information is crucial for collectors, law enforcement, and researchers. It allows for accurate historical tracing, verification of authenticity, and aids in investigations. The ability to pinpoint the manufacturing year and variation through this numeric sequence provides valuable context and provenance, significantly impacting a firearm’s historical and monetary value. Moreover, this system of identification strengthens accountability and assists in tracking stolen weapons.