S & W model identification help

[deerslayer]

I am wondering if anyone can help me identify the model of my S&W revolver. I did see the DOB thread but was not sure if I should ask about the model identification there,though I would like to know the year it was produced. It is A. 38 caliber (barrel says "38 S.&W.CTG"
B. 5 inch brl (from rear of cyl. to end of barrel)
C. square butt (checkered walnut,no insignia)
D.6 shot
E. fixed sights
F. ser #555905
G. model is my ?
On the left side under the cylinder release is stamped "converted by"
"cogswell&harrison ltd"
"LONDON"
Thank You in advance for any information

 

[clang]

Sounds like a WWII Victory model that was sent to Great Britain. Sometime after the war C & H reamed out the cylinders to also shoot .38 Special and sent them back to the US civilian market. These guns were originally intended to shoot 38 S&W which is not the same thing as or interchangable with 38 Special. The case was wider and shorter.

You can probably fit 38 Special in your gun (as modified by C&H), but the brass will bulge badly if you shoot it. If it is very hot ammo, the case may even split. I have a gun like yours, but the barrel was also cut to 3.5" by C&H. I found a prewar Smith and Wesson K frame .38 Special cylinder and fit it to my gun. It now safely shoots .38 Special. The barrel diameter for .38 S&W is a few thousands of an inch larger than 38 Special, but my guns accuracy appears to be unaffected. (or maybe I'm just a naturally crappy shot)

 

[Radagast]

Cogswell & Harrison were English gun dealers. Your serial number falls in the range given for the K frame hand ejector/ military and police manufactured from 1915 to 1942. Standard Catalogue of S&W notes that guns in the range 500,000 to 630,000 were manufactured between 1927 & 1930, so your gun may be a prewar commercial firearm.

If there is a V prefix to the serial number it then it would be a Victory model manufactured for Britain between 1942 and 1945. The five inch barrel was standard on the British guns, as were un-checkered walnut grips. T

The .38 S&W cartridge looks roughly like a rimmed 9mm parabellum case. The British used a heavier bullet however, and referred to it as the 38-200.

 

[deerslayer]

thank you for the information guys. there is no "v" on the weapon anywhere however.

 

[SaxonPig]

If you gave the correct serial (from the butt?) then it's too early to be a Victory Model. However, your description of a 5" barrel and 38 S&W caliber sure sounds like one. Also, the fact that it was worked over by an English gun maker makes it sound like a war surplus gun they refurbished after the war.

Some were bored for the longer 38 Special cartridge but don't shoot them as the cases may split and it's generally unwise.

 

[Jim Watson]

I don't know the fine details of markings, lend lease versus sales versus direct aid, etc, etc, but Clang has the important part. The "conversion" by C&H consisted of reaming the .38 S&W chambers to accept .38 Special ammunition so as to more easily sell revolvers surplus to British needs back in The Colonies.

There are a lot of theoretical disadvantages, the .38 S&W chamber is larger diameter than .38 Special, but shorter, so brass will expand more at the rear and look quite bulged. The .38 S&W barrel and bullet were .361" instead of .38 Special's .357" and people worry about accuracy.
They don't seem to blow up very often, at least not with standard pressure ammo, and I have read of them being reasonably accurate even with undersize Special bullets.

But I hope you did not pay a whole lot for it.

 

[deerslayer]

the serial # was stamped on the bottom of the butt. With all the uncertainties of the weapon , I have not fired it yet.I am also wondering if the "v" might have been on the butt at one time,but I believe C&H may have drilled it away when they installed a swivel lanyard loop on the bottom,almost directly in the center of the butt plate.Once again,thank all of you for sharing your knowledge with me.

My grandmother found it stashed away in her closet after grandpa passed,she didnt even know it was in the house. It cost me a lunch with grandma,so I think I did alright on it.We have since tore the house apart with no luck on other findings.

 

[SaxonPig]

Military contract guns came with the ring. Although, the early serial might indicate a commercial pistol modified to look military. Who knows?

I'm sure it's safe to shoot with the proper .38 S&W ammo. Using the incorrect 38 Special ammo probably isn't dangerous, but the gun doesn't work right with it. I shoot 38 S&W but I load my own. Buying factory ammo in this caliber is a very expensive proposition.