Quote:
Originally Posted by s&wchad
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Serial # V452486 (all matching numbers, no re-work marks)
Flaming bomb on butt
4" .38 Special
No top strap markings
I believe this is a DSC contract gun from late 1943.
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Does a letter generally identify the end user, or do they just show DSC?
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Your identification is right on.
And yes, at that time DSC guns letter as shipped to the final recipient.
Only for a few months in early 1942 did the DSC physically receive the guns and then handle the actual distribution; so only pre-Victorys from the first few months of 1942 will letter to the DSC warehouse in Washington. After that, they switched to just handling the paperwork and having S&W ship directly to the end user.
There is a small chance an unmarked gun like yours will letter as shipped to the US Maritime Commission.