Model 10 parkerized

[chasmatic]

This one followed me home. Model 10, ser # C 2659**. I don't know what I have but the pistol is squeaky clean. All tolerances tight, no signs of shot-a-lot. Heck, not even shot-a-little. I opened it up, dropped a little oil and closed it back up. The story is that it belonged to a guy, he had it for many years, he died and his estate sold it. Shrug, I bought the gun not the story. The "US Property" tells me this was a commercial gun that was sent to the military. I don't think the grips are correct and it is missing the lanyard loop so I realize she's not a virgin.

Can anyone tell me more about this 'un? When it was born, where it might have been sent. I hope the pix turn out, first time posting them. I have an album on this site if FWIW.

 

[P&R Fan]

Looks kinda cool.
Catalog says it was born in 1953.
Jim

 

[DWalt]

Has to be from 1953-54, and the grips are far too new, so they're not original to the revolver. I have to believe the parkerizing is a later refinish, and I have no idea about the U. S. Property marking.

 

[JP@AK]

Well, it's not a Model 10, but it does have all the Model 10 characteristics. It probably shipped from the factory in 1953.
That does not look like a factory finish to me. The stocks are also much later than the gun - post 1968 or so.
The property stamp and the proof mark on the upper frame, left side, would tend to confirm some kind of military or government use. But there are fakes out there, so you can't be sure. I don't know that I've seen a property stamp before that had quotation marks around it. Odd.

 

[kwill1911]

This gun shipped to the USMC (either Barstow, CA or Camp LeJeune, NC). The shipments took place in late 1953 and early 1954. It originally had a blue finish and diamond Magna stocks. The "U.S. Property" roll mark is correct. The USMC TM-00538-24 referred to this revolver as the "Victory Officer's Model."

This information is based on research done by Max Hayward.

I'd like to add the complete serial number to my survey if you would consider sharing it via PM.

Regards,
Kevin Williams

 

[chasmatic]

Kevin, thanks for the info. I knew the grips were not correct, and I suspected the Parkerizing was not factory. I bought it as a shooter, not a collectable. the lack of wear indicates that this one has low mileage.
I have had several S&Ws refinished, one parked and one bead-blasted from the shiny SS. I'll send you the ser # by PM.

 

[jrs70]

Nice, I should be so lucky!

 

[DWalt]

More on these here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/lounge/313930-usmc-victory-officers-models-shipped-camp-lejeune-nc.html

I really wonder why the USMC wanted these. At the time they were sitting on at least 100 tons of WWII Victories.

 

[bedbugbilly]

Nice! I certainly wouldn't kick it out of bed for eating crackers!

 

[chasmatic]

After reading my statement that I would use it as a shooter I think it needs clarification. I have haffa dozen pistols that I shoot a lot; I carry them and therefore practice with them. This Officers' Vic will be shot occasionally and cared for. (I still have screwdrivers from 46 years ago when I started my apprenticeship; I am careful with tools, firearms, vehicles &c. My Blazer had 310,000 miles on it when it got T-boned) so I know this pistol will stay in good shape.