I'm trying to identify an old S&W revolver.
I would greatly appreciate any help in identifying this firearm, an estimation of its production year, and value.
Details as follows:

1. Hand Ejector
2. SN: 6810xx
3. 2 in. Barrel
4. CTG .38 Special
5. 5 Visible Screws

THANKS A BUNCH,

DEAN

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Welcome to the Forum.

You have a .38 Military & Police from the late '30s-early '40s. 2" barrels were rare during this era.

The usual grips would be walnut, not the hard rubber ones shown. By any chance is the serial number stamped or scratched on the inside of the right grip?

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Walnut was available, but it is not uncommon for the 2" round butt K frames to have the hard black rubber stocks. This was even true in the immediate postwar period, including some early C prefix revolvers. As Muley Gil suggested, you should look on the inside of the right stock panel to see if the serial number there matches your frame. It very well might.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Welcome to the forum. Nice revolver.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! It would be interesting to know the history on that gun. I'll bet it's seen some notable things!

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

6810xx would indicate shipment around 1939, possibly 1940. You, sir, have a highly desirable pre-WWII M&P snubby. It's worth a lot more than you may think if it is original, even though it is in less than prime condition. Best to order a factory letter on it ASAP. The grips are probably correct. Please check to see if there is a matching SN scratched on the back side of the right panel.

It would be interesting to know what caused the corrosion on the left side. Possibly perspiration / moisture from right side carry(?) Do you know anything about its history?

No one really put a value on it yet, and I can't help much. In good working condition, strictly as a shooter, it has to be worth at least $400. But given Mr. DWalt's comments, that may be a real low-ball guesstimate.

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You're shy a few manners.

OK guys thanks for all your help so far....

Here is what I know.....the SN IS Scribed on the inside of the right grip panel....

The gun was from a family member who was mayor of my hometown during WW-2....and from what I know it was his EDC... so that may explain the pitting...

How do I order the factory letter??

THANKS AGAIN,

Dean

Click the link below. On the page that appears, click the link in the first "bullet". Either link works: the one simply titled "link" and the one titled "Letter of Authenticity Request Form". Follow the directions in the first "bullet" and on the pdf form.


Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Letter Process - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come

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You're shy a few manners.

Good luck. Please post the letter when you get it. Very few of these snubbies were made prior to WWII, and in fact none were made prior to 1936. Colt pretty well owned the snubby market back then. There have been instances reported of pre-war M&P snubbies being shipped after the war. And also standard longer barreled K-frame revolvers being modified later by adding a 2" barrel. That's why getting a letter to establish that it is factory original and when and where it shipped is important for such high-interest guns.

Here is my pre war 38M&P 2" that was shipped in November,1933. It is the earliest known shipped 2" M&P. It would be the "Father" of all S&W snubbies. It was shipped to MacDonald and Linforth in San Francisco. Dean, your gun is definitely worth a factory letter.
Bill

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There were also a few "Victory" model 2" barrel revolvers made during WWII for civilian use. They are also highly desirable due to their scarcity, but are in a little different collectible class from yours.