M&P S Prefix Pawn Shop Find

SFIDEC · #1 08-24-2017, 10:28 PM

Stopped at local Pawn Shop today and made decision to save what I thought was a S prefix non-factory nickel pimped out M&P at cheap price. Was taken back when I got her home and took off stocks. There was an "N" stamped on frame butt. After taking pictures and blowing up images, I realized there are other N's stamped in right locations indicating this is a factory nickel revolver. Not sure exactly what I have so I'm reaching out for input. Is it a good find or just another tricked-out revolver. I added the Stag Grips since stocks that were on it were from post 1967. Thoughts will be much appreciated.

murphydog · #2 08-24-2017, 10:38 PM

It looks to be an original nickel gun, minus the blingy action parts of course

. Sideplate fit looks pretty tight.

Jack (JP@AK) is the local expert on these but nickel guns in the early post-WW II era are uncommon in my observations. Enjoy!

Muley Gil · #3 08-24-2017, 10:38 PM

I believe a factory nickel 2" .38 M&P with an S pre fix serial number is a scarce item. It is a shame the hammer, trigger, etc were gold plated. The gold can be buffed off, but I doubt the color case hardened finish is still there.

SFIDEC · #4 08-24-2017, 10:41 PM

Couple more pictures of serial number stamps

DWalt · #5 08-24-2017, 11:19 PM

On my list is S8680xx which shipped in 1/47. If all the N's are there, it is probably as original as it looks. I have no idea of the premium associated with original nickel. It probably wouldn't be too difficult to find an unplated replacement hammer and trigger if you so desire. Having those on it de-plated and re-casehardened would probably be more expensive. Correct sharp shoulder Magna wood grips would be fairly easy to find.

JP@AK · #6 08-24-2017, 11:19 PM

SFIDEC

This revolver did go out the door as a 2" factory nickel gun. I show several nickel 2" revolvers in this serial range, including one that is only four digits off from yours in the serial sequence. That one shipped in January, 1947. Others in the same group went out in January or February of the same year. However, I also show one 2" nickel example with a nearby serial number that didn't ship until September, 1947. So, early in the year is likely, but not certain.

As for its current condition, I'm not convinced it hasn't been re-nickeled. The sideplate seam is not very tight. Probably when it was "dolled up" with the gold accents, it was re-plated at the same time. The semi-obscured serial number on the barrel flat would also seem to indicate that is the case. Whoever did that stuff to it, it wasn't the factory!

The stocks, of course, are not original, as you said. I'm wondering if they are possibly by Grasshorn. Never having owned a pair, I'll leave that determination to someone else.

(I will say that I rather like those stocks on this nickel plated snubbie!)

Good grab, even though it has been messed with. It should be fun to shoot. I do like my 2" square butt S prefix M&P. It goes to the range with me occasionally.

SFIDEC · #7 08-25-2017, 10:22 AM

Thanks for excellent information. My inclination when I first saw the revolver was that someone had it nickel plated with gold accents. I have 66 year old eyes and need help seeing details. I use a cell phone camera to take pictures then blow them up in order to see stampings. Details are hard to capture since nickel puts off such a glare. My heart wants the M&P Snubbie to be original nickel finish but your expertise and my gut is telling me she's been re-nickeled. Perhaps I'll provide some clearer pictures for evaluation. Regardless, the mechanics are great and the bore is pristine. It's always exciting to find a S&W I'm not familiar with and learn about them from knowledgeable folks like yourself. Thank you!

JayCeeNC · #8 08-25-2017, 10:51 AM

Here's S868277:

SFIDEC · #9 08-25-2017, 11:16 AM

John
Now that is a beauty! Thanks for sharing picture. If you aren't using the Hammer,Trigger, Release, and Rod, I'm in need. Trade for some gold? LOL. Thanks again!