Found this yesterday at a LGS. My first 38S&W. Looks like it might be from 1940. What can you tell me about this. I thought it was in great shape. Thanks, Bill

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Yes, great condition.

Everything 'speaks to me' as a pre Victory, Model K-200 (.38/200 British Service Revolver), in the M&P Model 1905 4th Change serial range, with the factory Black Magic finish. But closer to 1942 if I read the s/n correct 897543.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Nice!
I don't know about others on this forum, but I haven't seen many of these with 6" barrels.
Good find!
JP

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Jim, I think the first digit is a "6"...maybe early enough to have been blued from the factory, then refinished?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

This is serial 709XXX with blue finish.

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Dennis

Thanks guys, and it is 697543 serial number. I was reading this post to come up with 1940:Pre-Victory model .38 S&W 6".....South African contract I believe. There is a 708674 letter shipped in Jan 1941 posted by Lobo and a 685147 letter shipped in May 1940. This also has the B and O under the grips on the grip frame like Lobo's gun. Do any of you know what these letters stand for?