ID of Model 10 Hand Eject C Serial Prefix

[sclebo05]

Inherited an absolutely beautiful hand eject revolver. The 'story' is that it belonged to a police officer friend of the family. The finish is one of the nicest I've ever seen on a handgun, tough to keep fingerprints off of it. Very accurate. Details below, thanks for any assistance.

1. Hand Ejector
2. Serial is C 342XXX on butt, cylinder, and bottom of barrel
3. 38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG
4. 6inch barrel
5. Fixed rear sight

Extra, possibly worthless info - Behind the crane are 3 rows : 4, 9777, 8

 

[JP@AK]

Welcome to the S&W Forum, sclebo05.

One glance at the photo tells us this is not a Model 10. It has a five screw frame, which no Model 10 ever had.

The serial number tells us your .38 Military & Police model was assembled in 1955. The fifth screw (upper side plate) was phased out beginning in 1956. The lowest serial number on a four screw M&P that I've found is C354881.

Model numbers were assigned in June 1957, but M&Ps with model numbers don't show up until 1958, near serial number C430000.

You are correct. The numbers on the frame in the yoke cut are meaningless at this time.

 

[sclebo05]

That is great info - thanks for the clarification.

 

[DWalt]

Your M&P would also be called a “pre-Model 10” by many collectors, but that is unofficial terminology not used by S&W. Those M&P revolvers made between approximately 1947-57 have some specific design features which identify them.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

A number of police departments in Maryland carried 6" revolvers. Back in the 1970s, a friend who belonged to the Anne Arundel County Police Department carried a 6" Colt Official Police.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! Congratulations on inheriting a great revolver that has some LEO provenance. Lots of .38 M&P (and Model 10) fans here on the Forum with lots of good information. You have a nice .38 M&P with original walnut stocks, and as others have mentioned they were very popular with Law Enforcement Officers, the military, and the general public. There were literally millions of M&Ps and Model 10s manufactured by S&W over many decades, so they are not particularly rare or valuable. Your revolver is in great condition, and should be a fun shooter. My 6" bbl. nickel .38 M&P is just a little older (s/n C117638, ca. 1950). It's my "Nawlins Pimp Special". Enjoy!