38/200

[Bald1]

I have a 38/200 wich I believe is same as 1905 4th change. According to S&W 4th edition commercial version has grips with medallions which mine does and they # to the gun. Book also says military version has lanyard ring which mine also has, and it looks factory with grips off. It is 38 S&W with 5” barrel. There are no markings or import proofs on gun. There is a P on opposite side of lanyard ring from serial #. So do I simply have a commercial/civilian model that left the factory with a lanyard ring for whatever reason? I’m sure someone WAY more knowledgeable than me knows the answer. Thanks.

[DWalt]

Likely a pre-1942 BSR. What is the SN?

[Bald1]

8253**. I just realized my pics are both of same side of gun. Sorry

[DWalt]

You do have a pre-1942 BSR. On my list is 826069 which shipped on 9/24/41. Also commonly termed as a Pre-Victory BSR (British Service Revolver). Does it have the UNITED STATES PROPERTY stamping on the topstrap? By that time it could. That would indicate it is a Lend-Lease gun.

[Bald1]

Thanks DWalt. Nope no markings of any kind. That’s what had me stumped.

[Bald1]

It just didn’t match description perfectly in “the 4th edition” as to being commercial or military.

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by Bald1

It just didn’t match description perfectly in “the 4th edition” as to being commercial or military.

If it is the stocks throwing you off, many of the early BSRs did ship with the 1930s style service stocks (checkered with medallions). And yours is right on the cusp of the L/L, so not having a property stamp could easily be correct.

[Bald1]

Thanks to both of you guys for info. I aquired gun several yrs ago from an estate. It was a pkg deal. I’m finally getting around to making notes and values on all my firearms. Someday I’ll be gone and I’d like my estate to have an idea of what’s what.

[raljr1]

That's a nice example. I have been after on for some time, but can't seem to find one in the condition/price that suits me..

[murphydog]

The earliest examples of these British contract guns had a polished commercial blue finish. Yours 'may' have the less shiny brushed blue finish, and just before the V prefix gun started production in early 1942 they appeared exactly the same as Victory Models, with the dull phosphate finish. Enjoy!

[Shark Bait]

It looks just like mine that shipped to the British Purchasing Commission in New York on 25 Nov 1940. Except mine has a 6 inch barrel.

[Bald1]

Murphy dog. I agree it has a somewhat dull finish but not pakerized. So probably brushed or blasted blue finish. I really like it now but I ended up with it because I also got early 41 with cocking indicator and some others less expensive newer long guns which I’ve since traded or sold.

[Absalom]

Originally Posted by Bald1

Murphy dog. I agree it has a somewhat dull finish but not pakerized. So probably brushed or blasted blue finish. …

According to the primary sources (Williams/Hellstrom), the finish changed from bright blue to brush blue around serial 860,000 in Dec. 1941, so this one is somewhat early for that, and in the photos the finish doesn’t strike me as noticeably dull.

The stocks changed to smooth walnut about a month later. There is overlap in the low 900-thousands.

[Charlie Foxtrott]

It dates to 1941. A pretty cool revolver.

[Wiregrassguy]

Bald1, I'm honored you asked for my opinion on your BSR. You've already received some terrific input from several real experts. I really can't add anything useful to this thread.

[McShooty]

Original post deleted -- errors. I have a similar gun that was treated in a thread "PreWar .38 S&W" on January 25 of this year.