I have been offered a M13 Aircrewman. The markings look correct and the cylinder is aluminum. The serial number (C281880) is in the correct range.
My question is does anyone have a complete list of the serial numbers or the known correct examples in the hands of collectors?

I am very interested in the answers you get. I have come across one of these for sale also. I was advised to be very careful because as per SCSW 3rd there are plenty of fakes, good fakes out there. I am very suspicious of the example I've seen due to it's low price < 600 bucks. BTW if you don't have a copy of "The Book" get one, the information is worth much more than the cover price!!

B

Does the gun have backstrap markings? Is it possible to post detailed photos?

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John. SWCA #1586

The pictures he provided are not the best and I am unable to download and post them, it is however obviouslly a round butt K frame snubby, diamond grips (60%). The finish is missing in small patches all around (85% to 90%). The one good difinition picture is of the top strap and the markings appear to be the same as pictuired in "The Book" page 146 as "legit". He admits the backstrap markings are partially ground off, all serial numbers are supposed to match. I have bid but have not reached his reserve which is around $2K. I told it would never get there but good luck. What are your thoughts on value.

Hi, apparently I have been guessing low on a few S & W values recently, but I think that $2000 for a worn, (backstrap ground down - possibly de-milled?) M13 seems a little high. If you are able to post good photos, I or someone else on the Forum may be able to help verify the stampings, but unfortunately not that the entire gun is correct.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

No way that is a $2000 gun as described, significant finish issues, obliterated markings and no certain provenance. I would run away from that gun. Without having the gun verified by an expert or a traceable history that is a $500 gun just for it's novelty. The letters Roy provides for Aircrewman are interesting, he won't say a particular gun is legitimate due to the number of fakes, just that one with that serial number shipped to the Air Force.

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John. SWCA #1586

I may be able to help. Please email me at kevin at kwill.com.

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Kevin Williams SWCA1649 HF208

Buffalo, I have a data base for these guns. Serial number C281880 was shipped March 24, 1954, to Wilkins Air Force Base, Transportation Officer, Shelby, Ohio. It is in the data base with the comment "Alloy cylinder, all matching numbers, no backstrap markings. Originally reported by Dick Kolesar. Seen again at the S&WCA meet in 2000." Chances are you are looking at the same gun. Is the seller a member of the S&WCA and therefore is representing and will guaranty the gun as legitimate? I would not pay #2K for it, but might go 1/2 that and then have the backstrap markings restored. A correcty restored authentic AC gun has value. Ed #15

Not to thread jack but I have a similar M13, backstrap markings ground off. Anyone know who can do a good restamp of the property marking?
I would like to have it done if it can be done correctly. Send PM if you have info, thanks.