OLD Fuff!!! (or anyone else) DOB on M&P please.

[Norm357]

Friend of mine recently got this gun as a gift from an aunt.

http://i4.tinypic.com/2v01mit.jpg

http://i8.tinypic.com/333jotj.jpg

http://i7.tinypic.com/2mobgg0.jpg

The (?) serial number is 568xx with an E above it.

Can someone help woth a birth date please?

Thanks, Norm

 

[XavierBreath]

First, please post the numbers on the bottom of trhe grip frame. I suspect the number you posted is an assembly number from inside the yoke.

Your revolver appears to be a very nice nickel post war Military & Police revolver, or "Pre-Model 10". The lack of the hammer axis extending through the frame makes it a post war revolver. The nickel, which I suspect is original, makes it an unusual revolver from that time. Your serial number should have an S or a C prefix.

Lets see if we can post a pic in the thread...........

 

[Norm357]

Ach, ok. Here is the serial number. S 8823xx. Thanks Xavier.

 

[XavierBreath]

1952-1953
Only Roy Jinks can say for certain though.

1950s nickel is not quite so unusual. These are excellent revolvers. They had all the modern niceities along with the hand fitted long action. He got a good 'un!

 

[Norm357]

Once again, Thanks Xavier!

 

[Old Fuff]

Well I see that &%## X-Breath got to ya first...

I think he's mostly right (as usual) but I might date it earlier (although only Roy Jinks at Smith & Wesson knows for sure).

Following the war, S&W started up production of post-war Military & Police revolvers on Sept. 12, 1945 at serial number S 811,120. The "S" denoted that the revolver had a new hammer block, introduced during the war in the Victory Model at serial number V 769,000. again in early 1945. Do not confuse "V" numbers with "S" ones, they are not related.

They changed to the straight ejector rod without a knob on October 4, 1946, but keep in mind that any left-over older parts would have been used up too.

As sharp-eyed X-Breath noted, they changed the design of the hammer and trigger studs on January 16, 1946 at serial number S 819,462.

So I would date revolver No. S 882,3xx as being made during the Fall of 1946 or early 1947. Add to this that it appears from your photographs that the box and instruction sheet appear to be pre-war stuff.

Since you apparently have the original box and papers, and an excellent very early post-war gun - in nickel plate yet - I'd say you hit a real winner. When X-Breath said; "These are excellent revolvers. They had all the modern niceities along with the hand fitted long action." he was right on!

In fact this one is good enough to spend the $30.00 search fee and get it lettered by Roy Jinks.

 

[XavierBreath]

The Old Fuff whacked the young Xavier upside the head on that one. Fuff is right, it should be dated earlier. In my haste, I referenced a N frame list of serial numbers and dates. The S prefix on a K frame definitely dates this revolver between 1945 and 1948.

Now here's the cool part. In 1950, a nickel M&P cost $61.60 MSRP. I would letter this gun.

 

[Old Fuff]

Now here's the cool part. In 1950, a nickel M&P cost $61.60 MSRP.

Yup, and I remember buying one. The demand at the time was such that I couldn't get the dealer to give me a break, and I was a bit upset, but took it anyway.

Oh do I wish that I still had it... :banghead: