Identify revolver

[sgamm1]

Hi All,


I'm new to the group and wondered if anyone can help me identify an old S&W revolver that was gifted to me. It looks much like a model 10 and has a 6" barrel. Dates on the barrel are



Apr 9 89

May 21 95? Looks like.

Jul 16 95

Aug 4 95? Looks like

Dec 22 96

Oct 4 98



I "think" the S/N is 16444.



The frame butt has USN with an anchor symbol below it. Below the anchor it has 38 DA and below the 38 DA it has No and nothing below the No.


Looks like attachments are permitted but I don't know what the size limits are.


Stan

 

[Green Frog]

Welcome. From the description you gave, I'm going to guess a Navy issued Victory Model. We could do a lot better with pictures.
Froggie

 

[sgamm1]

Hi Froggie,


I'm not sure if it's a Victory model. I've heard those have a V on them, but I don't see a V on this one. I don't see a way to attach pics. When I try to insert an image I get a box with HTTP:// Is there another way to attach pics?


Stan

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Video Tutorials on Posting Pictures

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

Sounds like either an 1899 or a 1902 Navy contract .38.

Is there a lug under the barrel securing the end of the ejector rod?

 

[glowe]

Welcome! Are you looking at the butt for the serial number? Number doesn't fit the Navy serial number range for 1899s and is too early a Navy serial number for 1902s. Barrel and number you gave is definitely in the Model 1899 range. I am thinking that there might have been another small contract somewhere the 1899 or 1902 range??

 

[DWalt]

Some good clear pictures are in order.

 

[sgamm1]

Some good clear pictures are in order.




Hi All,


There isn't a lug under the barrel for the ejector rod. Let's see if this works.




Stan

 

[murphydog]

Thanks for the images.

This is a true mystery. The .38 Military model of 1899 Navy contract guns were serial numbered 5001-6000 on the front grip strap, so this one is well out of that range. They were Navy numbered 1-1000 and this one seemed to be missing the number on the bottom of the butt.

So, two possibilities, among others. One of the original 1000 was returned and declared unserviceable, so the factory produced a replacement out of the original SN range. Or someone went to a lot of trouble to put fake markings on a civilian 1899. If there are no military inspector's stampings both scenarios could explain this.

Either way it sounds to be a good situation for a letter of authenticity from the SWHF:

swhistoricalfoundation.com/letters/

 

[sgamm1]

Thanks for the images.

This is a true mystery. The .38 Military model of 1899 Navy contract guns were serial numbered 5001-6000 on the front grip strap, so this one is well out of that range. They were Navy numbered 1-1000 and this one seemed to be missing the number on the bottom of the butt.

So, two possibilities, among others. One of the original 1000 was returned and declared unserviceable, so the factory produced a replacement out of the original SN range. Or someone went to a lot of trouble to put fake markings on a civilian 1899. If there are no military inspector's stampings both scenarios could explain this.

Either way it sounds to be a good situation for a letter of authenticity from the SWHF:

swhistoricalfoundation.com/letters/

Thanks Alan. I'll see what SWHF can tell me.




Stan

 

[murphydog]

Thanks Alan. I'll see what SWHF can tell me.

Stan

Definitely send the images you posted to them and please let us know what information they provide.

 

[glowe]

This is likely an over-run of frames, since the Navy number ("No.") is not present on the frame. US Navy revolvers had two numbers, first ws the serial number on the front of the butt-frame and second was the Navy number from 1 to 1000. These guns were chambered in "38 MIL" which is a 38 Colt and did not chamber 38 Special. I have an 1899 commercial gun, 17813, with a 38 MIL barrel. Common practice was to use up all parts at the factory, sometimes assembling guns for gifts, donations, employees, etc. Below is an example of a Navy butt marking and my 38 MIL barrel, numbered to the gun.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the cotton and peanut covered plains of the Wiregrass! The cylinder chambers appear to be reamed deeper than for .38 Long Colt. Does a .38 Special fully insert?

 

[glowe]

If the OP's revolver was made like mine, the cylinder was a standard 38 Special, not 38 MIL. They just did not bother to change the barrel marking.

 

[cgt4570]

As stated, needs a factory letter.
My best guess is the factory found and completed an overrun Navy stamped frame. It would NOT be worth the effort for someone to fake the markings on such a worn example. My well used 1899 Army, 1899 Navy and 1902 Navy examples were bought with little premium over their commercial counterparts. I just like low production varieties like these.

Mine is SN 5048 and Navy #46.

None of the above mentioned three will chamber a .38 Special. I did however own an 1899 Army in the past that went back to the factory in the 1920s for nickel plating and lengthened chambers.

Thanks for sharing a factory oddity!

 

[sgamm1]

Yes, a factory letter is needed. Looks like the cost is $100 and I guess no guarantee it will turn up anything?


Mine has 16444 stamped on the flat under the barrel. So, that matches the number on the cylinder and frame.



Wiregrassguy, yes, a 38 special cartridge can be fully inserted into the cylinder.


So, are we pretty confident what I have is a model 1899?


Stan

 

[DWalt]

No question about that. But is there a Navy connection?

 

[sgamm1]

No question about that. But is there a Navy connection?

I don't know. Is there a Navy resource that might have more info on the revolver?




Stan

 

[DARE]

I think you will learn what there is to learn from the letter. The issue is that your serial number is outside the range for the Navy guns, if I understand it correctly.
Here is my gun #3554 and letter. It shipped in 1900. Your letter should say when and where your gun was shipped and how it was equipped.

 

[sgamm1]

Ok. I'll go by the local Office Max tomorrow and print the pics I made and send off the Letter of Authenticity Request Form. I'll let the group know what I find out.


Thanks everyone.


Stan