I have some different S&W revolvers and pistols, but do not know much about the older models. The serial is #733801, 6" barrel, 38 S&W chambering, checked. It's tight, looks in good condition ( I have not done a thing to it ) and appears to function although I have not had an opportunity to fire it. All numbers match including the grips. Does it have any value to speak of? I think I paid $125 for it earlier this year.
Don't know too much about this one
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Want to triple your money ; ) that is pretty someone more knowledgeable than I will be along to get you a close shipping sate and exact model.
DWalt
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A pre-Victory model (M&P 4th Change) for British Commonwealth service, probably 1941. What markings does it have?
There is a small emblem of some sort on the left side frame like a parachute or something, an 'O' in front of the serial number under the barrel,a 'D' on the frame left side under the grip and 'BO' right side bottom front under the grip, and a 'P' in front of the lanyard ring. Where else to look?
DWalt
Member
Someone else will have to address this. I would have expected British proof marks.
You have the earliest version of the "38/200 British Service Revolver" Smith also referred to as the "Model K-200" at the factory, made with commercial stocks and bright blue commercial finish (before Smith switched to the cheaper and faster wartime sandblast Black Magic finish).
Nicknamed the 'pre Victory' since it doesn't have the V prefix to the s/n on the butt. Same as the M&P Model 1905 4th change except for the cartridge chambering and s/n'd in the same series.
The markings are unknown to me.
Nicknamed the 'pre Victory' since it doesn't have the V prefix to the s/n on the butt. Same as the M&P Model 1905 4th change except for the cartridge chambering and s/n'd in the same series.
The markings are unknown to me.
Hondo44 is right on, you have a very nice Pre Victory, and I would date it to probably 1940 or early 1941. I have S/N 83335X which has a parkerized type finish and had would up in Australia before returning to the US. Mine was originally shipped Oct. 1941.
That's a dandy! These don't seem to show up too often - certainly not in that condition. At least I don't see them very often.
JP
JP
I have the same gun with serial no 700701. Which is exactly 33,100 less than yours !! Matching same last three of the serial no. is pretty neat !
Yours is in great condition - well done !!
The thread to mine is here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/275563-38s-w-wwii-raf-issue-revolver.html#post136831404
Yours is in great condition - well done !!
The thread to mine is here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/275563-38s-w-wwii-raf-issue-revolver.html#post136831404
That's a very nice British Service Revolver. This model actually played an important role in the transition of S&W to military production at the end of the Great Depression.
The British advanced a million dollars (or thereabouts) to S&W to develop a 9mm Light Rifle. When the prototypes were delivered, the British rejected them -- long story, details available elsewhere. S&W would have bankrupted if forced to pay back the advance, but following some serious negotiations the British agreed to take lots of .38/200 service revolvers. S&W turned out tens of thousands of these in 1940 and early 1941, and then Congress passed the Lend/Lease program under which America provided lots of war materiel to many countries -- but primarily the Brits -- in exchange for the right to (among other things) set up military bases on British soil. Revolvers supplied under Lend/Lease were considered to be American property on loan to Commonwealth forces, but the previously produced British Service Revolvers like yours were contract goods purchased by the British and owned by them from the outset.
They are a special and very interesting class of S&W revolver. Congratulations on having found one in such good condition.
Don't let anyone tell you the .38 S&W load is a weak one, either. It may be measurably less powerful than a .38 Special, but you would NOT want to be hit by one. The .38/200 was a standard British military handgun cartridge from before WWI until the mid-1950s.
The British advanced a million dollars (or thereabouts) to S&W to develop a 9mm Light Rifle. When the prototypes were delivered, the British rejected them -- long story, details available elsewhere. S&W would have bankrupted if forced to pay back the advance, but following some serious negotiations the British agreed to take lots of .38/200 service revolvers. S&W turned out tens of thousands of these in 1940 and early 1941, and then Congress passed the Lend/Lease program under which America provided lots of war materiel to many countries -- but primarily the Brits -- in exchange for the right to (among other things) set up military bases on British soil. Revolvers supplied under Lend/Lease were considered to be American property on loan to Commonwealth forces, but the previously produced British Service Revolvers like yours were contract goods purchased by the British and owned by them from the outset.
They are a special and very interesting class of S&W revolver. Congratulations on having found one in such good condition.
Don't let anyone tell you the .38 S&W load is a weak one, either. It may be measurably less powerful than a .38 Special, but you would NOT want to be hit by one. The .38/200 was a standard British military handgun cartridge from before WWI until the mid-1950s.
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