I recently acquired a S&W Hand Eject 3rd model 32 Long revolver and I want to know why it seems to have two serial numbers.

The bottom of the grip has a 6-digit number which is also on the bottom of the barrel, but when I open the crane there's a different 5-digit number on the frame and also on the crane.

Any Smith collectors out there know why?

Thanks

Not an expert by any means, but the number on the butt and on the bottom of the barrel is the serial number. The number on the frame when you open the crane is, I believe, an assembly number. Hope this helps.