I have a Pre- Model 10 ser.#928xxx. This weapon is unfired and I believe it was made either late 1940 or early 1941. finish is 99.99%.
Gun is 4" barrel. Can anyone tell me the current value?

what bbl length?

If you wish to offer the gun for sale you should post it in the proper classifieds forum with an asking price.

Actually it is not for sale at this time.

That serial number puts it in late 1941 or early 1942. Technically it is not a Pre-10 because the first gun with the characteristics of the eventual Model 10 did not appear until 1948 (short action, speed hammer). This is a Military & Police Model of 1905, fourth change.

Is this a war finish gun, or does it have the deep high polish almost black finish seen in 1930s revolvers? Is this the original finish, or is there evidence the gun was refinished? That affects value to collectors.

If an original 99+% gun, value could be as much as $700-750. If refinished, collectors would regard it as just a shooter no matter how good it may look. You could probably sell it for $300-350 in those circumstances. Take a look at the ejector rod knob. If the entire knob is blued, the gun has almost certainly been refinished. If the 45-degree bevel on the face of the knob is "in the white" (unblued), that indicates an original finish.

It would help a lot if you could post pictures. Are there any military service markings or characteristics? (Lanyard ring, for example.)

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David Wilson

David, The gun is a civilian version, dark polished blued. No military markings or lanyard ring. Beveled area is in the white and gun appears not to have been reblued. All markings, even the S&W logo are crisp and even. The only blemishes are very minor petina at the tip of barrel and near the logo. I attribute this to age. What do you think. Sorry no photo as my camera is busted. Thanks for your valued help!!!

Sounds like a first rate prewar M&P.

Oops, an afterthought. There is no letter prefix to the serial number, is there? If your serial number is actually S928xxx, then it is a post WWII revolver from late 1947 or early 1948. It would still not be considered a Pre-10 because a gun with this number would incorporate the prewar long action, but the value would probably come down to about $550 in its near-new condition. (You may hear other ideas on that value.)

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David Wilson

Oops too, Yes there is the letter S but it is about 10 spaces to the left of ser. # The ser # on cylinder has a large S, again about 10 spaces to the left of actual #. Same scenario again on the butt?

OK, you have a postwar transitional M&P from late '47/early '48. In about April 1948 the company completed the S-plus-six-digits series and started the company's third million of M&P production at 1 with a C prefix to the serial number. These C-prefix guns are true Pre-10s, as they have the faster short-throw action that shaves a few thousandths of a second off the hammer-drop time. Actually, and this is just a footnote since it doesn't affect your gun, the last 10,000 S-prefix guns produced were also short action revolvers and can be considered Pre-10s.

Look on the flat underside of the barrel. You should also see the serial number with S prefix there. If the stocks are original to the gun (and in that condition they probably are) you will see the number without the letter prefix stamped on the inner surface of the right panel (or "cheek piece," as S&W called them).

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David Wilson

David, You truly are a gentleman. Thank you for all of your help. I am now an expert--whoops I just realized what the definition of an expert is; X being the algabretic term for the UNKNOWN and a spurt is a small DRIP. Being an expert then makes me an unknown drip. I guess that is me.

I have another fine old revolver, it is an old S&W hand ejector in .32 long, 3 1/4" barrel, Bakelite round grips, knurling on the end of ejector rod is quite fine and large, 5 screw, about 65% of finish evenly spread, bore is bright with distinct good rifleing, gun is tight, ser#345xxx. I believe that this is a 3rd model? What do think? Do you have any idea as to the value as I paid $100 6 or 7 years ago.

I'm glad I could pass on some information you found useful.

That other gun is a .32 Hand Ejector Third Model from about 1921. You didn't get hurt on that purchase. These little I-frame .32s are undergoing a mini-craze right now because they are such enjoyable little shooters. Even with a lot of surface wear, a tight gun like yours with no rust or roughness in the action is worth at least twice what you paid for it, and some people in some parts of the country might go $250-300. I have some .32s that age (give or take a decade), and I shoot .32 wadcutter match ammo in them. They are capable of good accuracy, but the grips are so small it is sometimes hard to figure out how to hold them to let that accuracy emerge.

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David Wilson

Thanks again. I have shot this little gun and I agree it is fun!