Hi,

I inherited this gun and I am looking for some help indentifying what exactly it is. I'm pretty sure it is an M&P, but I have no idea about who did the engraving and what kind of value it may have. Any help will be very much appreciated. Thanks.

Attached Images

	M&P (3).jpg (88.2 KB, 102 views)
	M&P (4).jpg (78.9 KB, 104 views)
	M&P (2).jpg (30.2 KB, 78 views)

No idea what it is exactly, but it sure is PRETTY!!

First off, welcome to the forum.

Very attractive. It does appear to be a Military & Police model dating to around 1955.

__________________
SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Welcome to the forum as a 1st poster.

That is a very nice .38 Military and Police (M&P) from the early post war period (denoted by the 'C' prefix to the serial number) with short action/safety hammer block and post war "fish hook" hammer style. In 1957 it became the Model 10. The snubbie barreled versions are favored and in demand.

The engraving can be ahrd to determine but someone more knowledgeable can help you there.

Beautiful Smith!

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

That is a beautiful gun. Don't know much about engraving but it looks to me like whoever did that sure knew what they were doing!

Thanks for all the nice comments and info on the gun. Does anyone know where I can find out more about the engraving and the value?

Post some additional closer images, including the Stocks, and, there are people here who will be able to evaluate and comment in further detail and depth on possible provenance of the engraving, and, approximate value in today's market.

Let me join the others in welcoming you to the board. You did indeed come on with flair!

As has been stated, that looks like a mid-'50s vintage K-frame S&W, commonly referred to as a Military & Police Model, with 2" barrel. As for the engraving, I'm no expert, but it looks kind of Germanic to me, either done here in the German tradition, or actually done somewhere in Europe. There are books and books about engraving, but unfortunately I am not expert in the field, so can do no more than speculate.

I would spend a little time examining the edges of the various panels for tiny initials, etc. as many times engravers were known to sign their work in this inconspicuous manner.

Value is another matter altogether. Some collectors specialize in totally factory pieces (they would probably not be interested in this piece) while others look for guns with the work of a specific engraver, or ones from famous (or infamous) previous owners. Any history or provenance you may be able to establish for this gun would certainly be worth the effort.

At the very least it is worth the price of a good shootable M&P snubbie, which has increased significantly of late. Remember, value is what is agreed upon by buyer and seller, and take time to establish its value to you before offering it for sale. You could only sell it once!

Regards,
Froggie