I don't really see anything to be "curious" about. The serial number on the barrel flat matches everything else we see (except, of course, the stocks). 4" correct barrel, correct extractor rod knob, small monogram on the left side, etc.
Help ID this .38 S&W Special
- Thread starter former173rd
- Start date
What’s the mark next to the serial number on the barrel flat, it is blurred
It is blurred, but very likely it is the letter B. That indicates a factory blue finish during that era, and it is in the expected place for that purpose.
What's curious is why someone would take a 1920's M and P and put Victory stocks on it and a replica WW2 holster. I wanted to see if there was a lanyard hole open or filled in and where the serial number was placed.
I will venture a guess that the holster is original. Everything about it seems correct right down to the rivets. Whatever it has been hanging on is pulled up at the corners of the leather indicating it has hung for a very long time. Stamp is also correct as is the stitching. We all know that there are original unissued holsters out there somewhere and I believe this is one of them. The factory restarted stamping serial numbers on their stocks in 1929, after prior stocks were penciled for 30 years or so.
DWalt
Member
It is a .38 M&P from probably 1923-24 with non-original grips. Many were made during that period, so no rarity factor, but it is in high condition. I also see nothing curious about non- original grips and reproduction holsters. I have several reproduction holsters and see nothing bad about them. They work as well for use as period correct holsters. I have no particular interest in antique leather.
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It's a commonly seen replica, but it could be 20 years old +. They use chemicals to age the brass. This top one below is currently available online and is a reproduction, notice the similarity? The real RIA is shown below. These replicas can fool anybody but the smell of 80 year old leather is hard to fake.
OP
Are there any other details that could verify/disprove its authenticity? What if it was obtained,wrapped in a sock with the gun in another, and just sort of left there? How do you artificially age brass without some getting on the leather?
More photos of the grips and frame this morning.
Exactly...This holster is an obvious reproduction, and probably made in India or maybe China... The black paint on the "click the dot" snap is not flaked off and too shiny. The stamp is identical to Ebay $35 reproductions, and the general holster condition is too new.
As you said, antiquing leather is very hard to do to actually make it look and smell correct.
That top photo above is a brand new, never used repro and look at those aged rivets. If you're not convinced, you could put the photos up on a WW2 1911 colt forum to get other opinions. There are a lot of experts on holsters and other war items on those forums.
OP
Okay, my bubble is sufficiently burst…
I think they are the right shape but it would have come with checkered stocks, and the victory stocks were smooth.
The gun looks really good - the stocks would be serial numbered to the frame on the inside.
I have an almost identical gun made in 1940 - the ejector rod is not blued but I don't know if that is a sometimes thing with early S&Ws. I have a 1927 Bekhart Special but right now I can't recall if the ejector rod is blued or not.
Riposte
Look on Ebay right now....Here is a picture of a reproduction for sale for $29.95..It is identical to yours:
OP
Okay,okay…UNCLE!
OP
Inside the smooth grips..
OP
The stocks from the other 5 screw I got at the same time:
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
Two type of collectors, one goes for the genuine factory look, correct grips et cetera. Others go with what looks good and switching the grips for that purpose.
I bet the two revolvers had the grips switched by the previous owner.
OP
I guess that would make sense....
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
In the 1990s a copy made in Mexico was making the rounds in the Gun Show circuit.
What I was told back then, the trick was to soak the holster in animal urine and let it dry completely. People would not expect that and take it for granted that it must be an original leather holster.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
Those are similar to what is in Post #16. So just swap them.
BTW your revolver appears to be well maintained. Of course shooting it is the next step. Thank you for sharing.
