I obtained a revolver in an estate sale and I am not an SW guy (yet!). I have been researching and here is what I think I have:

Pre-1955 Model 33 Regulation Police

Based on the following:
- 5 screws
- square butt
- 38 S&W Special Ctg
- Barrel is 5 inches long (from end of cylinder)
- Serial # in bottom of butt is C 1469XX

I don't know whether it is an I, J or K frame. Can anyone help me zero in on the year of manufacture and an approximate value?

The gun is pretty much like new, with 95+% of the finish left. Very few nicks and a little holster wear on the barrel. Also, the frame screws are a little scratched up.

Thanks in advance!

Attached Images

SW 38 (2).jpg (61.4 KB, 264 views)

"Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, Third Edition" Book by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas - MidwayUSA

Everything you want to know

Hi and Welcome to the Forum. Very nice gun in excellent condition .What you have there is a 38 M&P a pre Model 10 because of the C prefix in front of the serial number. Its a K frame gun made in 1950-51 therebouts. The Model 33 A.K.A 38 Regulation Police Model its a J frame gun a tad smaller in size and also the Model 33 shoots the 38 S&W catridge not 38 Specials. Enjoy your new find...

Rick

Thanks Rigmover. I find that the S&W info is a bit harder to come by that that of my other pieces. I guess I need to buy the book!

Not sure why you thought this was a Reg. Pol. Isn't the barrel stamped with the caliber 38 S&W Special? The RP was built on a smaller frame (I frame in the beginning then on the slightly large J frame later on) and was not offered in 38 Special as the cylinder was too short for this round. Also, the RP had a 5 shot cylinder (again due to size limitations). Anyone familiar with S&W serials recognizes the C prefix as used on the M&P series from 1948 to 1967.

You have your basic M&P with a 5" barrel. It does look to be in very nice shape and the 5" length is popular and seen less than the 4" barrel.

This is a K frame revolver. Probably dates from 1951.

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No life story has happy end.

"Not sure why you thought this was a Reg. Pol. Isn't the barrel stamped with the caliber 38 S&W Special? The RP was built on a smaller frame (I frame in the beginning then on the slightly large J frame later on) and was not offered in 38 Special as the cylinder was too short for this round. Also, the RP had a 5 shot cylinder (again due to size limitations). Anyone familiar with S&W serials recognizes the C prefix as used on the M&P series from 1948 to 1967."

"I obtained a revolver in an estate sale and I am not an SW guy (yet!). I have been researching and here is what I think I have:"

Ease up SP. geigersd is a newby to S&Ws, as he stated in his post.

geigersd, welcome to the Forum. There is a wealth of information available here. You have a nice revolver there.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Nice gun - I have its twin brother except mine has PC Magnas (rounded off at the bottom instead of flat). My C222755 dates from 4/54.

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Peter #2091

Thats really nice, its a great first 'Smith! If you're really not sure what to think of it, let me add to whats been said already: The K frame, fixed sight, 38 Special revolver has been in production nonstop since the year 1899. What does that say to you about what you have there?
Put a box or 2 of target loads through that fine revolver, and I'll bet you won't wonder if its something worth keeping or if you really should have bought it (if you do wonder). My bet is you'll fall in love with the way it shoots and the accuracy within just a few cylinders of ammo. If you are lucky, its the first of several 'Smiths coming your way...

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Geoff. Since 1960.

MG - Quoting geigersd: "I have been researching and here is what I think I have:"

Apparently not researching too thoroughly.

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No life story has happy end.

Did the 1917s lack the logo?

You see, I have never researched these so I don't know.

One thing to say "I don't know" and another to say "according to my research 2+2=7."

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No life story has happy end.

You're the one that suggested it had been buffed off and refinished.

I asked if it may have been refinished because I thought it should have a logo. I didn't say it as an absolute fact.

Your point would be...?

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No life story has happy end.

Thanks to those of you who have welcomed me here. As for Pig, he did help me out, but it was sort of like a backhanded-compliment.

But, anytime you join a new forum, it takes time to learn who you need to walk on egg shells around! :-)

Machts nix, I've got a thick skin! And I'm glad to be here.

Welcome, Geigersd! Nice pistol.

(That book, SCSW, is an excellent buy. Be sure to get the 3rd edition.)

My name is not Pig. That's insulting. I have not insulted you. I only spoke the truth regarding your faulty information. If you didn't want the truth why ask? Don't make it personal.

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No life story has happy end.

[email protected]

SP, it looks like your last name is pig according to your email address. You come down hard and ridicule a new guy that asks a legitimate question and then expect him to call you by your first name? You set the tone for this exchange and now you sound like a guy that can dish it out but can't take it.

OP, nice M&P. Those diamond grips are very desirable as is the 5" barrel. It's a keeper and better than money in the bank. Nice find and welcome.

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God spelled backwards is dog.

I have not ridiculed anyone. He made an incorrect statement and I pointed out his error. Is that not the purpose for his posting? Did he not ask if he was correct? Should I have pretended he was? You want sunshine and lollipops sorry, I deal in truth and speak in adult terms.

You accuse me of being thin-skinned but anyone who takes offense at what I said is the one being too sensitive. A question was asked and I answered it. I didn't issue any personal insults as I am now being subjected to.

My email is underscored between the two words joining them. I never sign my name as Pig. My username is SaxonPig and anything else is insulting.

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No life story has happy end.

geigersd -

WELCOME TO THE FORUM!!!!

Beautiful Gun

I have and will continue to enjoy Saxonpig's posts. I don't know why he decided to be a **** in the salad on this issue.

For someone new to S&W revolvers you made an excellent first purchase. Welcome to the Forum.