Smith 78g with Unusual Markings

[78gCollector]

I recently picked up a Smith 78g that caught my eye due to the markings on the slide.  Typically, the Smith pistols have the model number stamped above the serial number on the left side and manufacturer info on the right side.  This one has the markings reversed.  I've got a few too many 78g and 79g pistols in my collection, and I have been working on a database of them for almost 3 years.  Between the pistols I own and the 700+ in the database, this is the only one I've come across with the markings reversed. 

Smith must have used jigs during the stamping process, so how was this one set up wrong?  Or was it done this way on purpose for some reason?  The pics below show both sides as well as a comparison pic with a pistol within 3k of the serial number.

(Of course Smith did mark some earlier pistols incorrectly, stamping 80g on the slide of a batch of pistols starting in the 43k serial number range.  They then overstamped most of them with 79g, so the model number looks a little messy on these.)

[Tackleberry]

     I was looking over on Ebay the other day and there was a 79G without any stampings on the right side of the slide. I know its not what you were asking ,but I thought it was interesting. I believe it is still up for bid as well.
I just recently purchased a 78G and a 79G, just because I wanted both calibers. I have yet to have the change to tinker and re-seal them. I am assuming they with both need a re-seal. Do you have any tips or tricks to the re-seal?
Sincerely
Mark

[78gCollector]

I think I know the one you're talking about.  It's a 78g that appears to have no markings on the right side.  (Pic shown below.)  This is an early pistol with a 31k SN.  Those early pistols have markings that are more crisp, but are no where near as deep as later pistols.  Between that and the lighting in the pics it looks to have a flat right side, but if you zoom in you can see the usual markings are actually there.

What's  interesting about this pistol is that it has a dropsafe trigger installed.  There was a recall in the early 80s on all S&W and specific Daisy 780 and 790s because the could fire if cocked and dropped in a few very specific ways.  The replacement trigger has a much greater pull weight, and is generally hated by those who've shot them!  Daisy marked a D on the bottom of the handgrip, just forward of the CO2 piercing assembly to show the recall had been performed.  This pistol lacks the D, so someone swapped the adjustable trigger it came with for the dropsafe trigger currently installed.  Someone is going to be very disappointed if they are expecting that early trigger!

Rebuilding these is pretty easy, and there are videos on Youtube that will guide you through the process.  Two tips I'd offer are for some very simple "special tools" you'll need.  The first is a Dremel modified straight bit.  This is necessary to replace a small o-ring in the CO2 piercing knob.  The second is a drywall anchor that is very helpful in removing the sleeve that holds the upper and lower halves of the pistol together.  The sleeve is behind the retaining nut visible below the barrel.  Sometimes they slide right out, but most of the ones I've resealed needed some persuading.