Ignorant and courious

[mt pockets]

I have my Dad's 38 M&P Model of 1905 4th change, #9559xx which he kept in his night stand as early as I can remember(early '50's). Mr Jink's letter indicates it was shipped to the U.S. Armory, Springfield, MA on May 4,1942. The Armory closed(except for the museum) in 1968. Hence, my question: Did the Armory sell guns to distributors/retailors that far in advance of the closing? Don't think Dad broke in and stole it! Since I have no idea how he came by it, any guesses or presumptions are acceptable.

 

[mt pockets]

I have my Dad's 38 M&P Model of 1905 4th change, #9559xx which he kept in his night stand as early as I can remember(early '50's). Mr Jink's letter indicates it was shipped to the U.S. Armory, Springfield, MA on May 4,1942. The Armory closed(except for the museum) in 1968. Hence, my question: Did the Armory sell guns to distributors/retailors that far in advance of the closing? Don't think Dad broke in and stole it! Since I have no idea how he came by it, any guesses or presumptions are acceptable.

 

[cgt4570]

The guns sold to the US government for the war effort were shipped to Springfield for inspection, then issued. Many were brought back and kept by returning soldiers. Many were sold as surplus after the war.

 

[mt pockets]

Thanks for the info.

 

[Art Doc]

This one was shipped a few months later, in August of 1942 to SA. Military and police supplied S&Ws were sent there before going out to the units or departments.

The 5" barrel is not original. I got it for $60 as it had a bulged barrel and found the barrel on ebay for $5.

 

[opoefc]

Your Dad'd S&W revolver is a "Pre-Victory" in the nomenclature of the collectors. It was a wartime shipment to Springfield Armory and where it got shipped by Springfield depends a lot on the markings on the gun. It could have gone to three primary destinations, (1) Military,(20 Lend lease to the Brits, or (3) to the Defense Supply Commission for shipment to a civilian user like a Police Dep't or War Plant guard. Many of these guns were sold surplus after the war also. Tell use ALL the markings that are on the gun, where they are, type of grips, barrel length and caliber and we can give you a better idea of the gun's wartime uses.

 

[mt pockets]

Thanks opoefc:
Been away from the computer over the holidays. Will give the gun a closer look today and let you know about the markings I find.