Date on a Pre model 10 M&P

[Benjamin9]

Hey guys, I've been looking for some info on a 5" .38 Military and Police hand ejector I inherited from my grandfather who passed a few years ago. I have many memories of cleaning this gun with him and it has sparked a passion for these old smith revolvers. I have narrowed it down to the later 50s.

S/N: C 407900

Attached pictures of the gun and holster that it was kept in. Beautiful leather and is stamped my home town of Richmond, Virginia.

I enjoy reading the forums here the knowledge is very fascinating, thanks.

 

[Truckman]

That is a beauty, and obviously well cared for...Are you certain about the 5" barrel length?...It looks a little longer to my eye...Did you measure from breech to muzzle?......Ben

 

[Benjamin9]

Truckman, yes the barrel measures 5 inches from cylinder face to end of barrel. I admit the slender barrel does look longer on older K frames.

 

[murphydog]

Jack (JP@AK) is the local .38 M & P expert, but I would guess this one to have been produced in early-mid 1957. Not long after this time frame it would have been stamped MOD 10 on the frame under the barrel, which I don't think I see in the third photo.

This was one of the peak eras of S & W bluing. Enjoy!

 

[JayCeeNC]

I'm betting that's a B.T. Crump holster, distinctive because of the small snap on the strap.
My local PD (Greensboro, NC) used that same holster in the 1950s and 1960s.

 

[Benjamin9]

Jack (JP@AK) is the local .38 M & P expert, but I would guess this one to have been produced in early-mid 1957. Not long after this time frame it would have been stamped MOD 10 on the frame under the barrel, which I don't think I see in the third photo.

This was one of the peak eras of S & W bluing. Enjoy!

Yeah no model number on the crane. Yes the blueing is beautiful when you can keep the fingerprints off of it! In your opinion what is the time period for the best Smith and Wesson blueing?

 

[Benjamin9]

I'm betting that's a B.T. Crump holster, distinctive because of the small snap on the strap.
My local PD (Greensboro, NC) used that same holster in the 1950s and 1960s.

You are exactly right this is a B.T. Crump holster. My grandfather was in the National Guard in the 50s. Do you think he would have been issued this gun and holster? The gun does have some holster wear on the barrel but does not have evidence of many rounds through it.

 

[Benjamin9]

Another picture. The blueing and lighting makes the lettering hard to show. The roll stamps are much more prominent. There is some wear on the of the barrel and the "S" in Smith.

 

[Muley Gil]

You are exactly right this is a B.T. Crump holster. My grandfather was in the National Guard in the 50s. Do you think he would have been issued this gun and holster? The gun does have some holster wear on the barrel but does not have evidence of many rounds through it.

Highly unlikely. The military standard was the 1911A1 in .45 ACP. The most likely .38 would have been the Victory model, 4" with a Parkerized looking finish.

 

[Benjamin9]

Highly unlikely. The military standard was the 1911A1 in .45 ACP. The most likely .38 would have been the Victory model, 4" with a Parkerized looking finish.

Thank you sir! If anyone else can confirm the year MFG/shipped I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[Muley Gil]

Thank you sir! If anyone else can confirm the year MFG/shipped I would greatly appreciate it.

It shipped in the 1957-1959 time period.