Smith & Wesson .38 age question

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Gx2
February 26, 2009, 10:10 PM
Hi I am new here and I have a question about the age of a Smith & Wesson .38 Special CTG. The serial number on the buttplate and the drum match. The serial number is 53405. There is no letter designation before the numbers. Can anyone help??? Thanks, Gx2
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wrc376
February 26, 2009, 10:11 PM
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=372213
Jim K
February 26, 2009, 10:26 PM
The designation is that of a cartridge, not of a gun, but the gun probably is an S&W. But a picture, or more info is needed for identification. If the gun is relatively new, there may be a Model number on the frame where the cylinder swings out; if so, the letters "MOD" will be there, otherwise the number is an assembly number.

Otherwise, number of shots, barrel length, and the last patent date may help.

Jim
Gx2
February 26, 2009, 10:46 PM
It is older. My father-in-law got it in 1946 from a former security guard in a bank somewhere in Alaska. It is stamped with the bank name "Midland Nat'l Bank" . The only other numbers on it are the patent dates: Aug 4, '96, Dec 22, '96, Oct 8, '01, Feb 6, '06, and Sept 14, '09.
Oro
February 26, 2009, 10:46 PM
As Jim mentioned, a photo is the biggest help. You've described a cartridge, not a gun. Also, there is a Sticky at the top of the revolver section about finding the date of a S&W revolver. You may want to post there with more complete information.
ArchAngelCD
February 28, 2009, 04:29 AM
A .38 Special with a 53405 serial number "might be" a .38 Special Hand Ejector M&P made in 1904 **unless** it's a J frame and then it probably dated to very late 1954.
SaxonPig
February 28, 2009, 08:45 AM
This sounds like #15 from the FAQs.

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What is this S&W revolver?

15. About 9 times out of 10 when someone asks “What is this S&W revolver my granddad left me?” it turns out to be a pre-war Military and Police or a Victory Model made during the war.

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The patent dates make it sound like a Military and Police 4th Model made 1915-1942 (see #15 above). But that can't be a correct serial if it's such a gun.

Here is the correct serial location.

http://www.fototime.com/CB3B9AE53F24EDA/standard.jpg
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