Help Identify This Revolver

[DoubleTap1429]

I own this old Smith and was wondering if you could help me identify the model and age.

Stamped on the frame is A7 and underneath the A7 are the numbers 76126 which do not match the handguns serial numbers...They all match (butt, barrel and cylinder).

The serial number is 8206xx...There is also a "S" stamped on the frame butt, approx. 3/4 inch left of the serial number.

Barrel is marked 38 S&W Special Ctg...The barrel is approx. 4 1/4 inches long

Thanks

 

[geoff40]

It's a post war M&P .38 Special, 1945 or 46. Might be one of the interesting transitional guns, is the action short or long? The front sight assembly is not the standard factory sight, does it have any brand name marked on it?

 

[s&wchad]

It's an early post WWII .38 Military & Police with an aftermarket front sight (predecessor to the Model 10). I suspect the barrel was shortened.

 

[DoubleTap1429]

Long action and no name on the front sight.

Is there any value to these models?

Thanks

 

[DCWilson]

Long action and no name on the front sight.

Is there any value to these models?

Thanks

Some, but probably not as much as you might hope. The M&P revolvers were the most-manufactured revolvers of the first half of the 20th century -- about a million were made, and many survive. A modified M&P like yours, even if the finish remains in pretty good shape, will be worth less than an untouched version. Depending on where you tried to sell it, you might get from $250 to 300 for yours.

The stocks look to be in great shape. They are probably worth over a hundred by themselves. Check inside the right panel to see if it has the same serial number that you see on the main components of the revolver. They may or may not be original to the revolver, but they are correct for the mid-40s period of the gun.

The barrel was undoubtedly six inches in its original length. When it was shortened it lost its original front blade and the sight you have now was welded to the barrel as a replacement.

David Wilson

 

[Alk8944]

DoubleTap1429,

The barrel markings don't look enough out of place for it to have been a 6", probably 5", but could have been either. If it is 4 1/4" it definitely has been shortened.

It appears to be a William's Streamline ramp with a Marble's "Sheard" sight.

The "S" on the butt is part of the serial number. The 76126 on the the side of the grip frame is the "assembly number". If you open the cylinder you will find the same number stamped on the yoke, and when you get around to removing the sideplate you will also find it there. The A7 is either a fitters or inspectors mark, both will be found on both sides of the grip frame when you take the stocks off. There are no known factory records that identify who those marks represent.