M&P 38 Post War? (updated in post #31)

[DWalt]

"I think the VS near-myth probably had its genesis back in 1966 when the first edition of Neal & Jinks' "Smith & Wesson 1857-1945" was published. In there it was stated: "By December 1944, serial numbers in this series had reached about V-800,000. At this time an improved type of hammer block was changed from V to VS to so indicate....When the model was discontinued in 1945 serial numbers had reached about VS-850000."

And we now know that the SN range given in that passage is not correct either. Another illustration that just because something is in print does not always guarantee that the information is correct.

 

[tenntex32]

I say "near myth" because there are at least two such guns.

Hold on now...……...just how many VS examples have to turn up before I can take my dunce hat off and get off my stool over in the corner?

Dale

 

[ABPOS]

Here is the other revolver that I picked up yesterday that appears to be original nickle finish (N stamped on the left side grip frame).

Serial # S875173.

It looks like the side plate screws have been changed out at some time as well.

Finish challenged as well.

Came with later SQ butt Magnas.

Question I have is what I'm reading is that "Post War" guns should have the 4 line address.

This has the one line address.

So is it a leftover 4th Model 1905 frame stamped with a S prefix serial #?

Also what type of stocks would have shipped on this?

Also value of gun after a good cleaning and some Flitz?

Thanks in advance on all info.

Masterbuck54

Love it. You've got the double dynamic of 5" and Nickel. Super nice!

 

[tenntex32]

Dale
You've used that term twice now in this thread

Of course I did...……...once for each VS prefixed specimen that has turned up!

I'll put my pointy hat back on and go sit back down in the corner now.


Dale

 

[JP@AK]

I say "near myth" because there are at least two such guns.

Hi Charlie!

Interesting. I know of only one. It is serial number VS813414, and it is owned (or once was, at least) by a Forum member. He showed it to me. The V is misaligned and appears to be an afterthought stamp. That's why I think it was a fitter's error.

It bears the highest serial number of any I've found with both the S and the V (although in the wrong order). The highest actual SV number I've recorded is SV813132. That one is owned by a collector of my acquaintance who is not on this Forum.

 

[Snuffy2]

Gone but not forgotten

I once had S870028, a blue 4" that had previously belonged to my uncle. I loaned it back to him and it was subsequently stolen in a burglary. It also had the one-line address. I still have the original numbered grips, which my uncle had swapped for some Franzite fake stags. I'm guessing that it dated from late 1946 or early 1947. Does that sound correct?

That gun is probably long since at the bottom of a river or melted down into a fire plug, but I still look at every 4" M&P I run across to see if the number might match. If it ever turns up I sure would like to hear about it.

Snuffy2

 

[DWalt]

Your guess about the shipping date is correct.

 

[JP@AK]

I once had S870028, a blue 4"

Jan/Feb 1947, is likely.

This one is in my database and noted as stolen (previously reported to me by you). If I ever come across its trail, I will let you know immediately.

Cheers.

 

[Muley Gil]

Sounds like it is time to buy a "V" metal stamp and dig out my big hammer!

 

[tenntex32]

Sounds like it is time to buy a "V" metal stamp and dig out my big hammer!

Hurry so I can take off my dunce hat and get out of the dummy corner!

Dale

 

[Masterbuck54]

Updated photos with original stocks

Ok I did have the original numbered stocks that were in a bag of others items that I picked up last week...I just didn't realize it until I agreed to sell them to another Forum Member

Why the later stocks were on the gun is beyond me...maybe they wanted to protect the originals???

Cleaned the gun up this week while watching some college hoops on the TV.

I guess I'll hang on to this one for a while.

Masterbuck54

 

[JP@AK]

Looks a lot better!!!

 

[goatsnguns]

Pete,

That really cleaned up nicely. I am glad that the stocks are where they belong, they look great.

 

[jebstuart]

A Dremel with white felt bobs and the mild abrasive of your choice would work additional wonders on that revolver. The green stuff that comes in the Dremel polishing kit will turn the rust spots to white steel and match the nickel better. Then wax & you're set. Anyway, works for me.