Model 10 M&P Identification

flintlockman · #1 08-22-2018, 06:55 PM

I have an S&W revolver that I inherited from my father back in 1998. He purchased it used from a Georgia Highway Patrolman in 1963. I believe it's an M&P Model 10, although it doesn't have Model 10 stamped on the revolver. The SN is: 786975 and it is stamped .38 S&W CTG on the barrel. It also has what appears to be crossed flags stamped on the left side of the frame directly in front of the cylinder, where the barrel screws in. It has 4 screws and also has a lanyard. There is no model stamped on the yoke.
The revolver is in very good condition except that the grips aren't original. I'm wondering if anyone can shed some light on when this revolver was made and if it was indeed issued to the military based on the crossed flags. I would also like to try and find some original grips.

Absalom · #2 08-22-2018, 06:59 PM

This is a former British Service Revolver from mid-1941. These were chambered in .38 S&W, which was identical to the British .380 service caliber, and supplied to the British Purchasing Commission prior to Lend-lease. The crossed pennants are a standard British military proof. There may be some additional stampings hidden under the left grip panel.

At that time, the finish was still standard commercial blue. One photo is a thin basis for judgment, but I think this may still be original. The original stocks were checkered wood with S&W medallions.

You should check whether the cylinder has been converted to shoot .38 Special. Unconverted, it should look like the attached photo with a noticeable shoulder in the middle

murphydog · #3 08-22-2018, 07:04 PM

Welcome! This is a pre-WW II (about 1941) .38/200 British Service Revolver. Model numbers were not stamped until about 1958.

It has five screws, one hiding under the right stock panel. The crossed flags is a mark from British ownership. The original may have checkered walnut, service type with small silver medallions, or smooth walnut. Hope this is helpful.

flintlockman · #4 08-22-2018, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Absalom

You should check whether the cylinder has been converted to shoot .38 Special. Unconverted, it should look like the attached photo with a noticeable shoulder in the middle

I checked and the shoulders are present in the cylinder, so it has apparently not been converted to S&W Special. I wonder what the chances are of finding some original grips? Thanks very much for your assistance.

flintlockman · #5 08-22-2018, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphydog

Welcome! This is a pre-WW II (about 1941) .38/200 British Service Revolver. Model numbers were not stamped until about 1958.

It has five screws, one hiding under the right stock panel. The crossed flags is a mark from British ownership. The original may have checkered walnut, service type with small silver medallions, or smooth walnut. Hope this is helpful.

Thanks much for your assistance.

Absalom · #6 08-22-2018, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flintlockman

....I wonder what the chances are of finding some original grips? .

They look like the attached ones; those are off one in the general vicinity of yours.

They are usually referred to as small service stocks. They were used from 1930 to 1941. You can frequently find them on offer at Gunbroker or on e-bay.

jmace57 · #7 08-22-2018, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flintlockman

I checked and the shoulders are present in the cylinder, so it has apparently not been converted to S&W Special. I wonder what the chances are of finding some original grips? Thanks very much for your assistance.

Grips shouldn't be terribly difficult to find on eBay or from a forum member here.

Muley Gil · #8 08-22-2018, 09:35 PM

"This is a pre-WW II (about 1941) .38/200 British Service Revolver."

Pre WW II for us here in the US, but not for the Brits.

chiefdave · #9 08-22-2018, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flintlockman

I checked and the shoulders are present in the cylinder, so it has apparently not been converted to S&W Special. I wonder what the chances are of finding some original grips? Thanks very much for your assistance.

Even though BSR's are common an example like yours is a rare find. Original caliber, no post war proof or import stamps and what looks to be original finish. Does the top strap have any markings?

DWalt · #10 08-22-2018, 11:35 PM

I list two which have SNs just on either side of 786975, both shipped in 6/1941. A high condition pair of the correct grips may be fairly expensive, and they are not that easily found. I suspect yours does not have the property stampings. That started somewhat later in 1941 (probably in the mid 8xx,xxx SN range), when the Lend-Lease program got underway. The grips on yours are Franzite plastic grips, and they were fairly popular in the 1950s-60s. Don't throw them away if you buy a pair of correct grips as they do have some value.

Absalom · #11 08-23-2018, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefdave

Does the top strap have any markings?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWalt

I suspect yours does not have the property stampings. That started somewhat later in 1941 (probably in the mid 8xx,xxx SN range), when the Lend-Lease program got underway.

Indeed, the presence of the crossed pennants should preclude Lend-lease and therefore the top strap US property stamp; I would normally expect to see the Enfield acceptance stamp on the part of the back frame covered by the plastic grip panel that would not be covered by the original stocks.

Based on my observation, British military proofs and acceptance stamping stopped when US property stamping for Lend-lease started. I have not yet encountered an example to the contrary.

murphydog · #12 08-23-2018, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muley Gil

"This is a pre-WW II (about 1941) .38/200 British Service Revolver."

Pre WW II for us here in the US, but not for the Brits.

Correct, "prewar" for us and Smith & Wesson.

flintlockman · #13 08-23-2018, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefdave

Even though BSR's are common an example like yours is a rare find. Original caliber, no post war proof or import stamps and what looks to be original finish. Does the top strap have any markings?

I just pulled the revolver out of my safe again. The top strap does not have any markings.