What S&W revolver is this?

[grumpydasmurf]

I was given the opportunity to purchase this used revolver. I don't know anything about it however and am trying to figure out it's manufacture date and model type/number. The serial number is 787890.

If you need any other information, simply ask. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Riss]

Looks chromed. Is the finish original ? Any marking to suggest a military model ? US Property marked ? Lanyard ring and smooth grips suggests that it is a K frame Military and Police, Victory Model, Model 10 or similar. Maybe a 38 spl of WWII vintage. I have one that is a nice brown color. Go to the S&W DOB thread to have it dated.

 

[grumpydasmurf]

Thanks for the quick response. I'll look for that other thread. When I found this forum, I came in on a thread "identify this smith and wesson revolver" which was closed due to over posting and the moderator suggested anyone else open a new thread.

As best I can tell the finish is original. I am unable to find any markings that indicate M&P. On one side of the barrel is 38 S.&W. CTG, at the top of the barrel is some very worn lettering indicating various patent dates: Feb 6. 06. Sept 14. 09. Dec 29. 14.

 

[rcmodel]

I agree it is a pre model 10, pre-Victory model M&P

The serial number & caliber is for a WWII era gun, and it has been chrome or nickle plated, probably recently.

The way you can tell it is not original is, they didn't make any of those in chrome or nickle back then.
And they never ever plated the hammer & trigger like the one in the photo. The gun would have been a dull blue-green similiar to Parkerizing, and the hammer & trigger would have been color case-hardened when it was made.

The reason the markings appear worn & hard to read is because the plating shop buffed them off with a buffing wheel before plating it.

I would proceed with caution if you are thinking of buying it.
.38 S&W (Not .38 Special) ammo prices will shock you and it will be hard to find.
And mechanical reliability of the gun may have been compromised by the bumper plater who buffed & plated the internal parts.

rc

 

[Ron James]

It does look like a 38/200 but there should be a prefix of either a V or SV, it may be separate from the serial number by a short distance. There wouldn't be a Model number or name stamped on these guns. And as mentioned it appears to have been refinished. There are rumors that some of the post war V serial number were nickeled plated, but with bright nickle and diamond checkered grips. The post war guns were made up of spare parts with a plug for the lanyard hole and used to full fill orders from the Law Enforcement field. The Victory Model Military and Police were in 38 special caliber, not 38 S&W { as yours is marked } . However I have learned never to say never. These were used by a number of different agencies but predominantly by the British, there should be British proof markiing on the gun unless they have been buffed off.

 

[grumpydasmurf]

22756 under the crane. If that helps.

 

[rcmodel]

Assembly number.
No help atall.

rc

 

[Jim K]

That serial number is in the "pre-Victory Model range" and the gun was probably made for the British directly (not lend-lease). The reason for the "Victory" model is that S&W went to 999999 and their numbering equipment only went to six digits. So they decided to start over using a letter prefix and chose "V for Victory." Needless to say, any collector value has been destroyed by the plating.

Jim

 

[grumpydasmurf]

So this is nothing more than a $100 WWII era plinker with expensive ammo at this point in time?

I'm impressed with your guys knowledge. What do you think this might have been worth had it not been refinished?

 

[Riss]

I have an original finish Victory Model that is worth about $400 or a little less. Needs a new barrel as mine is bulged. New barrel was only $24. And it was re chambered to 38 spl. An original finish, untouched example, with no damage could be upwards of $600 or $800. But that would depend on being not restored and most likely not used hard. A run of the mill example like mine, in used but serviceable condition is between $300 private and $500 retail. Even an un-original model, if it's a serviceable and fully functional revolver is worth around $300. It is after all still a handgun.

 

[Ron James]

Don't disparage the old 38 S&W as a defence gun, The 38 S&W cartridge is an old one, and considered rather slow, but it's did it's job for over a hundred years and can still do it. You just might have to shoot the target twice.

 

[grumpydasmurf]

Well; I ended up buying it for $119 since afterall like Riss said, it's still a hand gun. I figue if I really wanted it could be rechambered or if I ended up not wanting it, could resell it for about what I paid.