Ron, Marlin bought out the near bankrupt L.C. Smith Gun Co. in 1945. They worked on guns that weren't finished by the L.C.S.G.C. and in 1946 started producing guns with the FWS prefix. Guns ranged from FWS 1-56,800 and then Marlin stopped producing L.C. Smiths until 1968 under FWM serial number prefix. Your gun was made in late 1947. For $175.00 just kiss it and the barrels might turn another color. (only kidding great buy.) Good luck with it in whatever you do.