SERIAL NUMBER ON 38 DETECTIVE SPECIAL

Question
I AM WRITING A NOVEL SET IN THE 1930'S.  CAN YOU TELL ME IF BACK IN THOSE DAYS, A 38 DETECTIVE SPECIALS HAD SERIAL NUMBERS?  WHERE WOULD IT BE LOCATED?  COULD A CRIMINAL EASILY ERADICATE IT? (I HAVE ALSO SUBMITTED THIS QUESTION TO OTHER EXPERTS. SO FAR, NO RESPONSES.)
THANKS!

Answer
Janis,

Sorry it took me so long to get to you.  Guns have been serialized since that industry pioneered mass production and interchangeable parts in the 1800s.

The Colt Detective Special went into production in 1927.  The sn is located on the frame behind the crane.  It would be difficult with the common tools of the day to obliterate the sn, but it would be possible to deface it beyond recognition.

What part will this play, though?  Before the Gun Control Act of 1968, firearms were sold in hardware stores and through the mail.  "Tracing" a serial number would only take them back to the vendor.

Even today, serial numbers are of little value in solving crimes, as guns used in crimes are almost universally obtained illegally.  "Tracing" a serial number today will usually lead to the dead-end of the last legal owner from whom the gun was stolen.

Hope this helps some.  Again, sorry for the delay.