S&W K-frame Barrel Markings (On Top)

FPrice · #1 08-07-2018, 01:57 PM

I am trying to help an individual figure out what S&W he has, at long distance, from some rather dark photos. I do have a request in for him to produce the serial number.

It appears to be a 4" K-frame, "probably" late 1930's to early 1940's. About the only distinguishing marks which can be seen is a double row of (patent?) dates on the top of the barrel. Approximately when did S&W stop marking their barrels like this?

It is also wearing a pair of wood stocks similar to those used on Victory models but we have no idea at this point if they are original to the revolver or not.

I thnk you for any guidance you can provide.

Absalom · #2 08-07-2018, 02:50 PM

The double row of patent dates on top of the barrel disappeared some time around the appearance of the four-line trademark stamp in 1948. I don’t know whether we have a specific date or serial cut-off; likely not.

model3sw · #3 08-07-2018, 03:13 PM

Are you sure it is not possibly a N Frame model 1917. You mention Victory style grips, I'm presuming you meant smooth stocks ?

I suppose the first question should have been, what Caliber is it ?

handejector · #4 08-07-2018, 03:56 PM

Patent dates on 38 M&P barrels extend into the 1950s- well into the C serial numbers on 6" barrels.
I'm not sure when they were deleted from 4" and 5".

FPrice · #5 08-08-2018, 01:40 PM

Here are a couple of pics of the revolver in question. I received permission from the owner to post them on this forum. The serial number is 866,xxx, no prefix. And the caliber is 38S&W Spl. I figure roughly 1939-40.

I do have a question on the grips. They look semi-custom or else a better than average job by Bubba. Just curious if anyone has seen anything similar.

Wiregrassguy · #6 08-08-2018, 01:54 PM

Hi Frosty! That looks like a pre-Victory if it is missing a letter prefix. The grips are just Victory model stocks that someone "jigged" to look like jigged bone. Can't tell if the finish is original midnight black or not. What is puzzling to me is the small trademark stamp on the sideplate. Maybe the sideplate was replaced?? Will you post a picture of the Serial Number from the butt?

Absalom · #7 08-08-2018, 04:10 PM

That small logo is indeed odd. In about 1937 the small logo on the left under the cylinder latch changed to the large logo on the sideplate, right side. Number 866xxx, which places the gun in late fall of 1941, should definitely have the large logo.

The finish should be brush blue, and while this gun’s finish is seriously degraded, that’s what it likely was. The original stocks should still have been the small service stocks with medallion.

wraco · #8 08-09-2018, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handejector

Patent dates on 38 M&P barrels extend into the 1950s- well into the C serial numbers on 6" barrels.
I'm not sure when they were deleted from 4" and 5".

I have a 4 screw pre-model marked M&P snub nose with the half nickel front site and the top of the barrel has the patent date markings and such.

Rod

FPrice · #9 08-10-2018, 04:39 PM

I just went back and looked at the original pictures the owner posted. I noticed something in one I had not picked up on before. On the frame, above the crane area where the frame encompasses the barrel are some letters. They look like "NP" to me.

???