5 screw mod 10

[wft0461]

I'm trying to date a five screw mod. 10 the ser# 929410, there's no S or V with the ser#, the numbers match on the cyl. face and the bottom of the barrel. the layard hole is factory plugged. made in the u.s.a. on frame, old style hammer and serrated trigger both case harden. half round front sight, fixed rear. large s&w logo on side plate. 38 s&w ctg. SMITH & WESSON on a pencel barrel, no internal hammer block, blued. I think it's pre 1947?

 

[A10]

No internal hammer block and no S in front of the serial number probably makes it a prewar M&P. I don't have my SCSW with me so I can't give an approximate year of manufacture. Pictures sure would help!

 

[murphydog]

If a .38 S & W, it is probably a British contract gun from 1940-'41. Its official name would be a .38/200 Military & Police, or informally a "pre-Victory", as the model 10 name didn't start until 1957.

 

[Goony]

First off, welcome to the forum.

I'd date that revolver to the very late 1941 to early 1942 time frame. It sounds as if it was made to the British Commonwealth specification, and as stated above would thus be considered a "pre-Victory." Technically, it is a Model of 1905, 4th Change, more commonly referred to as a Military & Police. I'd have serious doubt that the butt swivel hole was "factory" plugged.

Swing open the cylinder, and that serial number should also appear on the flat area exposed on the underside of the barrel as well as on the rear face of the cylinder. Many of these have been bored out so as to accept a .38 Special cartridge. You may want to check if yours has been so modified.

More than any verbal description, posting a photo would be the most helpful thing you could do to enable folks here to give a definitive assessment of your gun.

 

[wft0461]

Thanks for the welcome wishes, I've read this site often, and found it to be very helpful. Thanks again.
The numbers match both cylinder and under the barrel. I've seen this steel pug before in place of the lynard swivel. I have no knownledge if it's factory, just a guess. The ser#number, I thought was high for a pre war pistol. Sorry about no photos, but the weapon doesn't have any smithing work,nor lots of wear. blueing is about 85-90 normal wear of it's age.

 

[H Richard]

I can tell you that s/n 83335X is a Pre-Victory and shipped Oct. 1941. It is also a 38 S&W, but was an Australia shipped gun. At the rate of mfg. in 1941, yours was probably an early 42 gun.

 

[wft0461]

Thanks again, for all of the information. Is there any way of finding out more, and how? I really would like to know it's history, as well.

 

[JP@AK]

Thanks again, for all of the information. Is there any way of finding out more, and how? I really would like to know it's history, as well.

You can always request a factory letter. It will cost you $50.
I concur with the opinions previously stated. It is almost certainly a gun shipped in the very early 1940s and built to UK specs. It probably shipped with a lanyard ring installed. And it is not a "Model 10."
JP