1906 Navy second issue?
 

Would a serial number 3933a be correct for a 2nd issue 1906 Navy? The Gesheichert is all lower case(other than the G) , in the upper position and I can find no evidence that it was refinished even when examined under a loupe. Thanks-Rob

Rob, I think you mean, by second issue, 1906 Navies with altered safeties. If that is the case, then these alterations were done in a haphazard fashion as the pistoles were returned to the armory or factory. Thus the serial numbers do not indicate first (unaltered) from second issue (altered).

I have a 1st issue altered gun SN# 720 with the all upper case GESICHERT and a milled lower slot where it originally was located. The gun in question is number 3933a with the Gesichert in the upper position with only the G capitalized and no evidence of it being removed from the lower position ( the Gesichert appears to be factory marked) unless it was factory refinished and extremely well done. I can see some light end mill swirls in the blueing and the gun refinished at that time. My question is were the any of the "a" range guns second issue?-Rob

If the "Gesichert" is upper case G and all the rest is lower case, it is a First Issue Altered. The Second Issue is all upper case in the top position. My First Issue Altered is upper case/lower case and does not show any milling in the lower position so either the original GESICHERT was shallow and carefully removed or welded up before final flat milling (I suspect it was welded as there is a hint of heat "peacock" blue in the finish). According to Jan Still, IL, the Second Issue started in the 9000a range.

Ron- Thank you. That clears up the issue for me.-Rob