.38/200 British Service Revolver

[kscharlie]

In addition to the .32 WCF Model of 1905 (from a previous thread), I also picked up this Model K200. I don't too often see the earlier ones with the polished blue, and this one looked to be quite nice and all original. So I entered the minimum bid, $425, and ended up with it as the only bidder.

It has a 5" barrel and it is obviously a .38 S&W. Serial # 823995 which I am guessing left the factory in 1940/1941? It is not yet in my hands for additional inspection, but the only mark I could find in the pics is the letter P stamped on the right side of the lanyard ring. I know that has significance, but I can't remember what?? No "G. H. D." or "W. B." inspector marks, no "U.S. Property" marks, no British proof marks.

Were any of these sold as civilian models or Defense Supply here in the U.S.?

At any rate, I am glad to get this one, as it fills yet another hole in my "collection". A few pics from the auction are attached.

 

[Goony]

Good looking piece. Most likely shipped in mid to late 1941.

 

[raljr1]

Nice pickup. I like the 38 S&W cartridge, probably for no other reason than dad left me an Enfield from WWII and that is what it chambers.

I have had a few Smith & Wessons in this caliber, and really wanted a 38/200 that was made with the prewar finish. Found one online and the owner lived in Orlando near where my granddaughter was participating in a pageant ..met him in the parking lot for the transfer.

Robert

 

[ordnanceguy]

Kscharlie:

Your revolver likely shipped from the factory in Septmber, 1941. It was not a Lend Lease gun. Rather it predates the LL guns and was instead a direct purchase gun, meaning the British Purchasing Commision paid cash and owned them outright. That explains why no US property marks are seen.

HTH.

Regards,
Charlie

 

[raljr1]

Kscharlie:

Your revolver likely shipped from the factory in Septmber, 1941. It was not a Lend Lease gun. Rather it predates the LL guns and was instead a direct purchase gun, meaning the British Purchasing Commision paid cash and owned them outright. That explains why no US property marks are seen.

HTH.

Regards,
Charlie

As was mine.

 

[mod57]

How many of these do you think came back from Britain without the British proofs?

 

[ordnanceguy]

How many of these do you think came back from Britain without the British proofs?

It is impossible to say. Keep in mind that the BPC allocated some to Canada and Australia as well. South Africa also got direct purchase 4 inchers.

Charlie

 

[kscharlie]

Kscharlie:

Your revolver likely shipped from the factory in Septmber, 1941. It was not a Lend Lease gun. Rather it predates the LL guns and was instead a direct purchase gun, meaning the British Purchasing Commision paid cash and owned them outright. That explains why no US property marks are seen.

HTH.

Regards,
Charlie

Thanks Charlie. I sat in on your presentation at the last Symposium. Wonderful presentation, but with that much info my aging brain has difficulty retaining it all.

 

[mod57]

Well it’s darn interesting. Real nice condition with no signs of being issued .
If it could only talk.

 

[DWalt]

The Lend-Lease BSRs started shipping relatively late in 1941, around October. They usually will have a United States Property stamping on the topstrap. The Pre L-L and Pre-Victory BSRs have a little more complicated history best left for another time

 

[mod57]

I am familiar with the LL BSR models, not so much with the others . It’s a nice revolver and an exceptional relic of the big war. Let’s leave it at that.

 

[4K2022]

It has a 5" barrel and it is obviously a .38 S&W. Serial # 823995

At any rate, I am glad to get this one, as it fills yet another hole in my "collection". A few pics from the auction are attached.

She’s a beautiful example, HANDS DOWN!
I came across one of those and it “filled a hole” for me too! (38/200) and in turn 38 S&W (fatty) caliber..
As close to Pre war,, K Frame WITH 5” barrel!! You knew what you were looking for to fill that hole.
Barrel knob

Stocks? if you’re into old S&Ws,, you’re required to be into STOCKS

The holes in my collection of 38 Fattys range from this SA top break and a Reg police to the K and a 4” J frame

I’m just saying

 

[five 0]

I have BSR S/N 894141 with crossed sword and K3B above the trigger guard. Above the yoke is a crown with BNP below as well on all the charge holes of the cylinder. United States Property on the top strap. On the butt opposite the S/N is WB with a flaming bomb and a P. The barrel is marked 38 S&W CTG with Smith & Wesson on the opposite side of the barrel. Can someone give me a date on the serial number?

 

[handejector]

Why does it lack British acceptance marks?

 

[five 0]

The .38 767 3 1/2 tons are on the barrel in front of the cylinder with crown BNP

 

[mod57]

The .38 767 3 1/2 tons are on the barrel in front of the cylinder with crown BNP

Those are not British acceptance marks. They are British commercial proofs marks. They were put on the gun when it was released into commercial sales. I have one just like it. I can prove the revolver was in Britain but I can’t tell service, if any, it was used by.

 

[DWalt]

British law required proofing and proofmarking of BSRs sold off on the civilian market as surplus during the 1950s-60s. They initially had no proof marks. A BSR with no proof marks was probably a GI duffel bag bring-back.

 

[five 0]

No other marks than what I listed.