Another model 10 help with strange numbers

Drewshooter · Jul 16, 2023

Hello to all,

Need help to identify this smith and Wesson pre model 10 .38 spl . It's has a sperate serial number rof abbreviation on the left side of the frame right about the grip panel of N.S.D.-61** .. don't have my hands on it yet to get the rest of it just seeing if anyone has seen this before and might be able to get a head start on what that abbreviation means or history or anything information someone may have on it. Maybe a government agency or police departments? Thanks in advance

JP@AK · Jul 16, 2023

Drewshooter

It is a .38 Military & Police revolver from before 1948. It's possible that it is a Victory Model, based on the configuration. In any case, it is no older than 1927, but I suspect it is a bit newer than that.

I can't tell you what NSD stands for, but it is likely a rack number of some sort. To determine the age, we'll need the serial number, including a V, SV or S that might be at the front end of the serial number.

On a revolver from that period, the serial will be on the butt, the rear face of the cylinder, the underside of the barrel and two other places that are hard to see.

JP@AK · Jul 16, 2023

Oh yes, and it is NOT a Model 10. Those don't show up until 1958, at least 10 years after yours was made.

Muley Gil · Jul 16, 2023

It could stand for N*** Sheriff's Department.

DWalt · Jul 16, 2023

Or N** School District. Many school districts now have police, but I think that is a relatively recent practice.

PeteC · Jul 17, 2023

If it is a Victory Model, which is likely based on the finish, and the single-line "Made In USA", then NSD maybe meant Norfolk Shipyard and Drydock.

I wonder if there is a faint Navy property stamp on the top strap. Navy Victory Models are usually more sought after than than others. If the gun is still at an FFL, Drewshooter may not have noticed.

Drewshooter · Jul 18, 2023

Thank you all so much for the information. As soon as I this smith actually in my hands later this week I will post more details and more pictures to help narrow down the possibilities what this smith could possible be with the stamp. I'm sure it's a pre model 10. Though I'm Really curious about the stamp on the side. So I hope I get it in my hands really soon so I can take off the grip and give more details. Thanks again to all in the community for the abundance of help!,

handejector · Jul 20, 2023

I moved the posts concerning this new gun to their own thread. Posting it in the thread about your railroad gun will only lead to confusion. There is no charge for new threads when you need one.

ordnanceguy · Jul 20, 2023

The gun in question appears to me to be a Victory.

I don't know what the N.S.D. marking means, but I speculate that it could mean Naval Supply Depot.

The Victory Model Database has one other entry for a revolver marked N.S.D.-82. Unfortunately, the entry does not include any factory letter or other data that might allow us to interpret this for you.

The starting point, of course, is the complete serial number with any prefix. We need more information in order to help you.

BTW, the photo of the right side seems to reveal a small letter "S" on the side plate, which means that the updated hammer safety block has been installed.

Regards,
Charlie

JP@AK · Jul 20, 2023

ordnanceguy said:
BTW, the photo of the right side seems to reveal a small letter "S" on the side plate, which means that the updated hammer safety block has been installed.

Good catch, Charlie. I saw that mark but didn't recognize it with part of it covered by the aftermaket grips.

According to my database, the revolvers sent back in '44-45 for the upgrade seem all to have been Navy guns. Some (many?) of them were very early V prefix guns with only five digits after the V. The latest one I have recorded is six digits in the V380000 range that originally shipped in August, 1943.

handejector · Jul 21, 2023

ordnanceguy said:
The gun in question appears to me to be a Victory.

I agree. It also has the "P" in front of the hammer.

handejector · Jul 21, 2023

Drewshooter said:
I'm sure it's a pre model 10.

No, it is not. It is a "38 M&P" with a long action. The term "Pre Model 10" would only apply to a short action 38 M&P having no model number.

Another model 10 help with strange numbers

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