Help in Identifying 38S&W

CDougE · #1 09-05-2018, 01:22 AM

Hi all,
I found an old revolver in the attic of my house and I would like to know if anyone can help identify it.
I believe it is an older model 10 but I am not sure of the year or if this is even correct.

Details:

Hand ejector

There is no model number behind the yolk

5 shot

.38S&M

Serial Number 69352

4" Barrel

5 screw

Walnut checkered grips

Fixed front sight

No rear site other than being notched.

Finish looks blued but is pretty beat up with some rust.

May have been an issued weapon, "02202455" and "MP" were etched badly into the frame and barrel respectively.

Thanks in advance!

Hondo44 · #2 09-05-2018, 01:52 PM

Welcome to the forum.

What a shame, that is a brand new revolver that someone defaced with some sort of personal I.D., and left to the elements.

It's a ".38 Regulation Police Improved I Frame - 1st Version" from about May 1953. It became the Model 32 after 1957 and shoots the .38 S&W cartridge, not the longer .38 S&W Special.

After taking off the wood grips, The rust can be removed by soaking the whole gun in a solution of 50/50 ATF (auto transmission fluid) and acetone, for a week or so. But do not scrub it with anything more abrasive than a toothbrush. Don't use Naval Jelly or other similar rust remover because it will remove the blue finish!

Once the rust is off, let it drain completely, wipe all the excess off the exterior. The innards will be fully lubricated and it will function like a new gun.

Be sure the barrel is not obstructed with anything such as an insect cocoon, if you plan to shoot it.

Do you own other firearms? What do you plan to do with it?

Art Doc · #3 09-05-2018, 02:12 PM

For future reference a Model will be stamped MOD 10. Any S&W made after 1958 and designated with a model number will have the number stamped on the frame.

gmborkovic · #4 09-05-2018, 02:18 PM

OH MY, what a bloody shame. Grandpa left it out in the shed or under the truck seat.

ABPOS · #5 09-05-2018, 02:19 PM

Could be a good shooter once it's cleaned up. Looks like it was in nice shape before the rust got to it.

Muley Gil · #6 09-05-2018, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

Welcome to the forum.

What a shame, that is a brand new revolver that someone defaced with some sort of personal I.D., and left to the elements.

It's a ".32 Regulation Police Improved I Frame - 1st Version" from about May 1953. It shoots the .38 S&W cartridge, not the longer .38 S&W Special.

After taking off the wood grips, The rust can be removed by soaking the whole gun in a solution of 50/50 ATF (auto transmission fluid) and acetone, for a week or so. But do not scrub it with anything more abrasive than a toothbrush. Don't use Naval Jelly or other similar rust remover because it will remove the blue finish!

Once the rust is off, let it drain completely, wipe all the excess off the exterior. The innards will be fully lubricated and it will function like a new gun.

Be sure the barrel is not obstructed with anything such as an insect cocoon, if you plan to shoot it.

Do you own other firearms? What do you plan to do with it?

Brother Jim mistyped. He meant to say ".38 Regulation Police," not .32.

Wiregrassguy · #7 09-05-2018, 03:32 PM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Was your house previously owned by an LEO or judge? Could be the number is an evidence file number. MP could be Metropolitan Police. However, they are so crudely scraped into the medal, I can't believe an agency did it. If you don't want to use Hondo44's soak and clean method. Blue Wonder makes a gun cleaner that will remove rust but leave the blue alone. Blue Wonder is a type of cold blue and the surface of the metal needs to be squeaky clean in order for it the blue to adhere to the metal. It will also remove lead and copper from the barrel bore.

DWalt · #8 09-05-2018, 03:58 PM

The nearest .38 Regulation Police serial number on my list to your #69352 is 695xx which shipped in 2/53. The number scratched on the sideplate could well be a trial evidence exhibit number.

As previously stated, about all you can do now about the rust is to soak it in something (kerosene is good) for several days. That will loosen the rust a little. See if you can find some Chore Boy copper scouring pads at your supermarket or big box store and go over the rusty areas with that. That rust is fairly heavy so do not expect any miracles. There are actually some electrolytic methods which can convert rust back into metal, but only professional restorers have the equipment and skills to do that, and it would be fairly costly. There are some YouTube videos showing how it is done. Acid will also remove rust, but also the bluing.

Nonetheless, it can probably still be fired. If you wish to shoot it, it takes .38 S&W ammunition, NOT .38 S&W Special. Ammunition for it is not so easily found, but it is available.

chiefdave · #9 09-05-2018, 04:14 PM

All I've found in an attic is cobwebs and mouse turds. If you clean it up please post before/after pictures. Neat find.

smith17 · #10 09-05-2018, 04:38 PM

OP also mistyped 'some rust'.

Jtown · #11 09-05-2018, 04:43 PM

That's a shame. Hopefully its not to late. Several rust removal methods have been mentioned. Use one of them and get back to us on the results. Don't forget to take photos.
Walt

Hondo44 · #12 09-05-2018, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muley Gil

Brother Jim mistyped. He meant to say ".38 Regulation Police," not .32.

I sure did, thx for catching that! I was thinking ahead of my typing fingers again...it became the Model 32.

Muley Gil · #13 09-05-2018, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smith17

OP also mistyped 'some rust'.

That's patina, man, patina.

Muley Gil · #14 09-05-2018, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

I sure did, thx for catching that! I was thinking ahead of my typing fingers again...it became the Model 32.

In another life, I had to proof read police reports before they went to the sgt or lt.

Wish I could catch my OWN mistakes as easily as I catch others.