Is This a Genuine M13 Aircrewman?

Greetings everyone,
I am new to the forum and new to S&W collecting. I was recently offered the opportunity to purchase this revolver which I believe to be an M-13 Aircrewman. The pistol appears to be in excellent mechanical condition and except for the fact that markings on the back strap appear to have been removed, the original finish is absolutely beautiful. The serial number on the butt and the serial numbers stamped inside the grip stocks match. However, the numbers stamped inside the cylinder face and crane do not match. The stocks are in pretty nice shape and have S&W medalions. The serial number block appears to be within the right range and the frame markings appear to be correct. So is this a genuine M13 Aircrewman or is this a fake? Perhaps an arsenal rebuilt revolver? Value of this particular piece? The pistol is being offered at a very reasonable price from someone who is not a collector and claims to have had it for a number of years (the seller has made no mention of its rarity or collectability). I know absolutely nothing about these revolvers so any assistance or comments provided would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,
Cliff
















NOTE: AF Property Marks appear to have been ground off.




NOTE: Number on crane matches number on frame under left grip.




NOTE: The letter P stamped on the left front side of the frame under the cylinder.


NOTE: number on frame (under left grip) matches number in crane.








NOTE: Serial # stamped on right grip matches farmes serial #.




NOTE: S&W grip medalions.




NOTE: Numbers inside the side plate matches the frame and crane markings.

Didn't the Aircrewmen have the U.S. Air Force emblem on the grip medallions?

And didn't they have "Aircrewman" rollmarked on barrels?

From my very limited experience,I'd say it's legit.
Disregard crane numbers-rely solely on the butt number for all Smiths.

It has the appearance of a real M13. Per the SN, it is later in the production run and would not have the stampings that buff mentioned. Do you see the SN stamped on the rear cylinder face and barrel flat above the ejector rod? Steel or aluminum cylinder?

Obviously, the value depends on whether it is original, rebuilt or a parts gun. A factory historical letter is the first step, but there will be a 2-3 month delay to obtain one. Depending on the price, you may want to buy first and ask questions later. In my opinion, it looks legit and any price in the three figure range would be a bargain. It is probably worth low four figures.

There are several Forum members who know these guns pretty well who will give you a more informed opinion. Please let us know what happens.

Hello Alan,
In regards to your questions. "Do you see the SN stamped on the rear cylinder face and barrel flat above the ejector rod? Steel or aluminum cylinder?"
As you can see in the above photo, the rear cylinder face is stamped 551. The barrel flat above the ejector rod is unmarked and the cylinder is most definately aluminum. I also noticed a P stamped on the lower, left side of the frame. Thanks for the information.

Respectfully,
Cliff

I was under the impression that Aircrewman models were 5 screw. Also cylinder should match. Something about that one looks fishy, the lack of a top screw in the side plate jumps out but I don't know if Id trust it.
The fact that the seller isn't promoting it as an original is a plus, possibly because it's been shotdown a few times when offered?
RD

New pics added of the markings under the grips.

Cliff

Cliff;

Thanks for the extra photos. I think again this is a later production M13 and would not have the SN on the rear cylinder and barrel flat. All M13s were four-screw frames; the Air Force specifically asked S & W to delete the upper sideplate screw.

I will p/m the guy who knows the most about these and see if he can respond.

Alan, I got your p/m. From what i can see in the photos, the revolver appears to be legit. It is a late gun, probably shipped to Robbins AF base, as close serial numbers letter to that destination. It probably only had "U.S." stamped the back strap, instead of the Property US Air Force, as several close serial numbers are known with only the US stamp. The barrel markings, and the 4 screw frame are correct for a late gun. There should be no serial number on the barrel or cylinder. The 551 on the cylinder is probably a fitter's mark. The number on the frame under the crane is the assembly/work number and the same number may, or may not, be stamped on the back of the side plate and it is stamped on the left grip frame under the grips. Everthing looks kosher to me and I see nothing to indicate it's not a genuine AirCrewman of the configuration of the last production. Nice example. Ed #15

I just added pics of the internal side plate markings. The numbers are identical to the frame and crane markings. Thank you for your observations and the additional information.

Cliff