Smith & Wesson S&W .38 Military & Police M&P Pre-Model 10, Near Mint 2nd Year Blue 4 6-Shot Double Action Revolver & Box, MFD c1950 C&R

Sold For: $858.00

LSB#: 170130JH03

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: ‘The .38 Military & Police’, Pre-Model 10, Square-Butt K-Frame.

Serial Number: C 153055

Year of Manufacture: The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson puts “C” prefix serial numbers from 1948 to 1951 from C1 to C223998, putting the DOM around 1950, the 2nd year of production.

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.”, the right side plate has the S&W monogram logo, the right side of the frame has the four line Marcas Registradas. The yoke is marked “69265”, seen again on the cut below “3 / 0”. The underside of the barrel, rear of the cylinder, rear face of the yoke, underside of the ejector star, butt of the grip frame, inside of the right grip panel and factory box reflect the same serial number of C 153055. The right of the grip frame is marked “I / W”.

Barrel Length: 4”, Pinned with un-shrouded ejector rod.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded half-moon blade, integral to a base that is forged with the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch, sitting before a “U” channel on the top strap of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are beautiful checkered walnut with nickel plated S&W medallions. They have near perfect fit to the grip frame, outside of a few tiny, extremely scarce small marks, there are no damages that attract attention. The grips rate in about Excellent Plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, with case colored smooth trigger and checkered hammer.

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion; there is little to no evidence of use outside of factory testing.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a thin drag line, there are no other major damages or marks. The pistol does not look to have seen much use. The fit and finish is like clock work, rivaling any other mass produced firearm maker’s best product. There are a few tiny spots of light surface etching on the right side plate, covered by the upper grip panel extension; the other surfaces only have a few tiny scuffs from storage. The screw head slots are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces nominal side to side play with no back play in full lockup of all 6 chambers. The double action trigger pull is smooth, single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The revolver’s original factory cardboard box is included, the tray has the serial number in wax pen, the inside of the lid has dates of “OCT 10 1956 / APR 23 1951 / SEP 3 1957”, these may have been inventory stamps from whatever retailer had it in stock. The inside of the box has some roughing, the exterior is faded in color, some surface losses are seen, but for its age, the box is in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition. A sheet of old brown paper is included, it did a good job preserving the metal, the paper is in Very Good condition.

Our Assessment: From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_Model_10 “The Smith & Wesson Model 10, previously known as the Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector Model of 1899, the Smith & Wesson Military & Police or the Smith & Wesson Victory Model, is a revolver of worldwide popularity. It was the successor to the Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1896 and was the first Smith & Wesson revolver to feature a cylinder release latch on the left side of the frame like the Colt M1889. In production since 1899, it is a six-shot double-action revolver with fixed sights. Over its long production run it has been available with barrel lengths of 2 in (51 mm), 3 in (76 mm), 4 in (100 mm), 5 in (130 mm), and 6 in (150 mm). Barrels of 2.5 inches (64 mm) are also known to have been made for special contracts.[1] Some 6,000,000 of the type have been produced over the years, making it the most popular centerfire revolver of the 20th century.[2]” This 4″ PRE-model 10 is in near mint condition. It has beautiful finishing and having written up a WWII Victory pistol, one can fully understand Smith & Wesson’s commercial vs. military finishes looked like. In its high condition, all parts matching, superb build and 2nd year of production bragging rights, collectors are going to scramble to catch this beauty. Please see our pictures and good luck.

Smith & Wesson S&W .38 Military & Police M&P Pre-Model 10, Near Mint 2nd Year Blue 4 6-Shot Double Action Revolver & Box, MFD c1950 C&R
Smith & Wesson S&W .38 Military & Police M&P Pre-Model 10, Near Mint 2nd Year Blue 4 6-Shot Double Action Revolver & Box, MFD c1950 C&R