Help identifying and aging gun

[GWheeler]

Good afternoon. My great nephew just reached out to me with a gun he would like help identifying and getting an age on.

I think I know the model but I don't want to mislead him.

Attached pictures of the gun showing the serial number. There is not a model number behind the yolk.

Any help is greatly appreciated for this young man.

 

[DARE]

The gun is a .38 Military & Police. The serial number puts it in the late 1930's I believe. Think they hit serial number 700,000 in 1940.

 

[gmborkovic]

cant tell about the nickel finish but the plate seam looks tight. Not over buffed. Hammer and triggers aren't shiny so that looks good. Dont see an "N" stamp. Nice old M&P.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

To me, that looks like a factory original nickel finish.

Check the serial number stamped under the barrel. If there is a "B" prefix, it shipped with a blue finish. A lack of the "B" indicates it was shipped as a nickel revolver.

Post WW II revolvers had "N" stamps to indicate a nickel finish.

 

[DWalt]

Around 20 years ago I bought an M&P cheap that could have been that one’s twin. I still have it, but don’t know where I hid it. What is the first digit of your SN? Grips on yours are typical of the 1920s decade.

 

[DARE]

1st digit looks like a 6 to me. Not real clear, could be a 5. I was basing late 30's guess on it being a 6.