Pre victory .38 special with lanyard loop hole

rcsayer · #1 03-02-2021, 01:35 PM

I just bought this S&W .38 with checkered medallion grips that number to the gun. It has been nickeled but done very well. My question is since the barrel states it is .38 S&W special ctg is this the original barrel or a replacement for .38 S&W from the lend lease program? The cylinder numbers to the gun. I hope it is the original barrel and that the cylinder has not been rebored. I also would like a ship date if possible. Thank you for any help you may be able to provide. Serial is 925946

JP@AK · #2 03-02-2021, 02:51 PM

To determine if the barrel is original, you can check on the bottom of the barrel, where the extractor rod docks with the cylinder closed. Until the middle of the 1950s, S&W stamped the serial number in that location and it matched the number on the butt, the rear face of the cylinder and two other, harder to see, places.

At serial number 925946, it is too early for Lend/Lease. Unless there is an S in front of the number (part of the serial number), in which case it would be a postwar revolver (hence, also not Lend/Lease).

Also, if marked for the .38 Special, the barrel should be 4" long.

PeteC · #3 03-02-2021, 03:02 PM

Assuming it is the ".38 Military & Police Model of 1905", serial numbers ranged from 241704 to 1000000, 758,296 manufactured from 1915-1942. However, it may have shipped later.

Someone else will have to help with the chambering...

Absalom · #4 03-02-2021, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP@AK

....
At serial number 925946, it is too early for Lend/Lease. Unless there is an S in front of the number (part of the serial number), in which case it would be a postwar revolver (hence, also not Lend/Lease).
.....

Slight correction necessary:

The gun shipped around Feb. 1942.

By that time and serial we were indeed merrily lending and leasing. In fact, according to Charlie the lowest property-marked L-L revolver he has recorded is in the 791-range (although I‘m slightly suspicious of that gun‘s circumstances).

By the upper 800-thousands in Dec. 1941 all BSR‘s were going to Lend-Lease, with just a few exceptions still filling Canadian purchase contracts.

But those were all 5“ guns in .38 S&W of course.

rcsayer · #5 03-02-2021, 03:29 PM

Thanks JP@AK. The number at the location you described on this 4" barrel does match so I am assuming the revolver is safe to shoot. I will know shortly as I am heading out the door to shoot it as soon as I finish these replies.

Wiregrassguy · #6 03-02-2021, 03:30 PM

Ric, can you post some pictures of the gun including the top strap, butt and the cylinder chambers?

JP@AK · #7 03-02-2021, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Absalom

Slight correction necessary:

The gun shipped around Feb. 1942.

By that time and serial we were indeed merrily lending and leasing.

I stand corrected, gratefully. Thanks.

Actually, I knew that timing, just had a brain freeze. As many of our colleagues here can attest, it happens a lot after you pass 70!

rcsayer · #8 03-02-2021, 03:37 PM

Thanks to Absalom for your information on the ship date.

rcsayer · #9 03-02-2021, 04:02 PM

I will try to upload some pictures with luck.

rcsayer · #10 03-02-2021, 04:05 PM

Three more maybe

rcsayer · #11 03-02-2021, 04:09 PM

The gun looks a lot better than my pictures would indicate

rcsayer · #12 03-02-2021, 04:18 PM

A little better