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This S&W is advertised online as a Model 10 M&P S&W 38 Special. But, the Serial Number 55XXX and the barrel stamping have me curious. The barrel is stamped 38 S&W Special & U.S. Service CTG's with numerous Patent Dates on the other side of the barrel, the last date being Dec. 17, 01 if I am reading it correctly.

It has the 4 line Marcus address and 5 screws, counting the strain screw with hard rubber checkered round-butt grips with the center diamond.

Thanks for sharing your expertise.

Attached Images

	Dec1701.jpg (43.0 KB, 91 views)
	premodel10.jpg (78.8 KB, 109 views)

The patent dates and caliber stampings on the barrel confirm the low serial number. It is a very early Hand Ejector, a Model 1902, from around 1903/04, I believe. The four-line means it was returned to the factory for re-work at some point and then received that additional stamping.

Thank you for the clarification. Return may be for a refinish?

Can someone put a value on this revolver? Thanks again.

Good information above. If this is for sale, ask the seller if there is a date stamp (3-4 digits separated by a dot) on the left lower side of the grip frame, under the stocks - bet the last two will be in the 70s. Also the letters R - B or S in a rectangle. If so, chances are high it was a factory refinish.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thanks, I will ask the seller those questions.

In any event, it is not a Model 10. You won't find any of those until the late 1950s. 55xxx would probably put it at early 1905 and the SN suggests it is a Model of 1902. It should have the rounded, not the square, butt. .

The 1902 was refinished in March 1975 in standard blue. The seller says the digits 375 and letters R-S in a rectangle box were stamped on the frame. Revolver is available on GB.

R-S indicates refinish-standard (meaning blued). There is usually a dot between the month and year, e.g., 3.75
At least we know that the 4-line address stamp was still being used on serviced guns as late as 3/75.