Help with Identification of Revolver

[Hayesd01]

Hey Guys- We own a store/range and recently took in this revolver on trade. I think I know what it is, but could use some help from the experts! Here is what we know: SN#888581, appears to be square butt & nickel, has a lanyard and stocks that have the above serial number. Five inch barrel with 38 S&W CTG stamped and a last patent date of 1914. I am guessing it is Model 1905, 4th Change that may have been sent overseas and just proceeded the Victories but am just not sure? Thanks in advance for the help.

Eric
#2046

[DWalt]

888582(?) would be a WWII British Service Revolver (BSR, pre-Victory) which likely shipped from S&W in late 1941-early 1942. It would not have been nickel plated originally, but the grips may or may not be original, as they were changed to the smooth style in early 1942. Have you checked to see if the SN on the back side of the right panel matches the SN on the butt? Have you determined if it has been re-chambered for .38 Special? Is there a property stamp on the topstrap? Could well be Lend-Lease at that time.



PS- this posting belongs in the 1896-1961 section. Someone will probably move it later.

[Hayesd01]

We just checked and all serial numbers match including under the wood grips. I do not believe that it was re-chambered for 38spl because we just tried a round and it did not go in all the way. Is there a chance that they would have sent over a nickel sq butt? No other markings we can see other than a very small letter "P" opposite the serial number on the butt. Sorry about the mis-posting...I thought I had it in the right area, but must have hit the wrong button!

[gunnails]

The hammer and trigger appear to be nickle, which indicates a refinish, should be case colored.

[Targets Guy]

Same thing happened to my s/n 877679. I took off the .38 special barrel (4") and put (had put) on a Victory SW 5" barrel (that I had chromed).





Old barrel


New barrel

[DWalt]

" Is there a chance that they would have sent over a nickel sq butt?"
None.

[Hayesd01]

Thanks to everyone.... The trigger & hammer not being case colored was a good observation. I would lean towards a re-finish, but the darn thing looks more stainless than nickel? It really looks like a dull stainless and the logo and even patent dates still seem crisp to me?

[Absalom]

Originally Posted by Hayesd01

Thanks to everyone.... The trigger & hammer not being case colored was a good observation. I would lean towards a re-finish, but the darn thing looks more stainless than nickel? It really looks like a dull stainless and the logo and even patent dates still seem crisp to me?

It really does not matter what it looks like, or whether or not the hammer and trigger are case colored or not.

As DWalt indicated, there is absolutely zero possibility that a bright finish on a gun with this serial number is original. None.

[Muley Gil]

To my eyes, the finish appears to be chrome, not nickel. Chrome has more of a bluish tint, while nickel is more yellow.

[Hondo44]

Your serial # is 888587.

It wasn't shipped in nickel.