Need help identifying a 38 special

[blatwell]

My dad just passed away and I am trying to find info on his Smith and Wesson 38 special. The serial number in the butt is C 232785.

It has an exposed hammer and fixed sights. It is a 6 shot revolver with blue finish and wood grips.

On the barrel, it also says "airweight" and I believe it is one with an aluminum cylinder. The yoke has two markings. One appears to just be the number used to keep the parts together during manufacturing and the other below it appears to be either an 8 or a 9.

 

[824tsv]

My dad just passed away and I am trying to find info on his Smith and Wesson 38 special. The serial number in the butt is C 232785.

It has an exposed hammer and fixed sights. It is a 6 shot revolver with blue finish and wood grips.

On the barrel, it also says "airweight" and I believe it is one with an aluminum cylinder. The yoke has two markings. One appears to just be the number used to keep the parts together during manufacturing and the other below it appears to be either an 8 or a 9.

Hello,
Welcome to the Forum.
This revolver dates to about 1953 and was manufactured before model numbers were assigned. It sounds like you have a .38 Military and Police Airweight which would eventually be designated a Model 12 in about 1957. If it has an aluminum cylinder I would not attempt to shoot it. If you can post some pic's I and probably everyone else reading this would be interested in seeing it.

 

[Jim Watson]

An early Airweight with aluminum cylinder is a rarity.
Considered not strong enough to shoot, but a collectable.

Check with a magnet.

 

[Alk8944]

Your revolver, if indeed from 1953, is definitely in the area where it would have originally had the Aluminum cylinder and shouldn't be fired. However, many of these were returned to the factory and had steel cylinders fit. If your cylinder attracts a magnet it has been replaced. If it doesn't, don't shoot it!

 

[shouldazagged]

My condolences on the loss of your father, and welcome to the forum. I hope you'll stick around after you get the information you seek.

 

[blatwell]

Thanks for all the info. It will not be fired. A magnet does not attract to the cylinder so I am assuming that means it is aluminum.

It is missing one screw, but other than that and some bluing coming off at the edges, it is in decent shape. I will post some pictures in the coming days. The funeral is tomorrow and I am just trying to get my mom through that right now. They were married for 54 years.

Does anyone have any idea what this might be worth to a collector? I would not want to sell it to someone that wants it for shooting given the safety concerns.

 

[blatwell]

I just edited the original post with some pictures. If anyone has any idea what this gun is worth or knows someone that might be interested in purchasing it, please let me know.

 

[DWalt]

I have reasonably close SNs on my list which shipped from early 1953 to as late as 1955, and that is not unusual as S&W did not ship in SN order. However, I would bet on 1953 as being correct. If you need an exact shipping date, the only way is to get a factory letter ($50). Most have already recommended not firing it if it still has the aluminum alloy cylinder. Personally, I wouldn't hesitate to use full wadcutter target loads in it, as they produce far lower chamber pressures than typical standard .38 Special loadings. The hazard is that there may already be incipient cracks in the cylinder which would be difficult to detect.

 

[captainjohnsofd]

Also check the frame where the barrel is threaded into it. Open the cylinder and look under the barrel for cracks in the frame. That area frequently cracks on these old revolvers. Very sorry about you loss. This forum is a goldmine of information. Don't be afraid to ask for help.