Dating my model 10

[MTK20]

I picked up a Smith and Wesson model ten the other day for about $200 and while it is in rough shape aesthetically, it seems to be mechanically flawless. I was hoping y'all could help me date it , because it seems pretty old.

In addition to my pictures, it has a half moon front sight, a screw on front ofthe trigger guard, a curved hammer, and no designation of being a model 10.

ETA: apparently I cannot post pics from mobile. The text description will have to do until I can get to a tablet or PC.

 

[MTK20]

On the right of the barrel it just says "38 S&W special ctg."

 

[MTK20]

Here is one of the trigger guard screw.

 

[MTK20]

As you can see, not the best shape. Not much bluing left and minor surface rusting.

 

[OFT II]

Welcome to the forum. Without a serial number all I can do is say that it dates from sometime in the late '40s to the early '50s.

 

[tlay]

You have a pre-model 10, not a model 10. It is a post war m&p. Give us most of the serial number and we can get you a shipping date close to when it shipped. The serial number can be found on the bottom of the grip area on the frame.

 

[Art Doc]

This was called the Military & Police Model (M&P for short) until 1957 when it was designated the Model 10. Some people just call everything made from 1899 forward a "Model 10."

S&W called that style of hammer the "Speed Hammer" but many folks call it the "Fishhook."

Probably 1948-55 or so but need the serial to me more precise. Likely has a letter C prefix.

FYI- It's built on the K frame and has a square butt.

 

[MTK20]

Serial #:.C 1705xx

 

[DWalt]

C 1705xx probably shipped about mid-1951. I list one with a SN a little lower which shipped in April 1951. Only a factory letter will provide a precise date. It would be a "pre-Model 10" with the short action and high-speed hammer, which began in 1948.

 

[Jack Flash]

Doesn't look too bad for the price. By the way, it is a "five screw", having the upper sideplate screw (5) and the one in the front of the trigger guard (4).

 

[MTK20]

I am thinking of rebluing this piece myself. I understand that it is some what rare. Would you advise against any rebluing or restoration?

 

[crsides]

Not rare at all. Probably the highest production of any smith and Wesson to date. Oil it up, shoot it, and don't reblue it.

Charlie

 

[DWalt]

Very common, and in the condition shown, it would not be of interest to a collector. Therefore it would make a good hobby project to blue it yourself. Some have reported good results with Brownell's rust blue, but it's a fair amount of hand work to perform properly. I think there is a YouTube video on how to do it. It makes little sense to spend the money to have it professionally re-blued.

See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuP4m6L95K4