Help identifying a S&W pistol

mamitchell19 · #1 06-27-2012, 01:24 PM

I picked this up last week from a shop while aquiring some WWII automatics. I have very little experience in revolvers and was hoping someone could provide some info on this pistol.

It seems to have the finish of Victory pistols and the WB and P markings. The barrel however is unmarked and has zero text, markings etc. The serial number is 878189. The frame has made in USA and United States Property markings.

Thanks for your help

DCWilson · #2 06-27-2012, 01:47 PM

Unusual that the barrel has no markings, but yes, that looks like a pre-Victory. The serial number suggests it would have shipped in late 1941.

Depending on whether the cylinder chambers the .38 Special or British .38/200 round, it would be called a .38 M&P or a British Service revolver. Both can be found within the 878xxx serial number range.

I think the original finish may have been polished off at some point, as the sideplate logo looks a little flat and the edges of the sideplate seem a little rounded over. If it was refinished in blue, that second surface didn't survive very well.

The gun should be considered a shooter-grade specimen. If it started life as a BSR but was converted to .38 Special after the war (this happened to a lot of them), it may have a cylinder that would accommodate both the .38 Special and .38/200 rounds. That is not necessarily a good thing, because you end up with a gun that is ideal for neither round and in which .38 Special case can swell and even split in the case of hardened brass. Value? Probably not over $200, and maybe only $125 or so.

mamitchell19 · #3 06-27-2012, 02:10 PM

Thanks for the help and quick response. I will check the cylinder to see if a .38 special will fit. The gun was a "goodwill" gun from shop owner so value is ok regardless. I purchase a lot of military and period piece weapons. I will order some .38 S&W and try it out.

opoefc · #4 06-27-2012, 02:55 PM

Definitely a pre-Victory British shipped gun The barrel has been replaced, if it has no serial number. It would be a good shooter. Ed.