New guy here has a question

[oldtiredcop]

I just purchased a nickel plated 38 spl. I believe it is a pre Model 10 M & P. The serial number is 9734XX. The number is also located underneath the barrel and on the rear of the cylinder. Under the yoke is a large 5 with 16244 underneath it. The revolver appears to have been re-nickeled but I'm not sure. I will attempt to post some pics. The grips are definitely not original to the gun. Any help determining the approximate age of my newest family member would be greatly appreciated.
Joe

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum from another tired old cop!

Your revolver would have shipped from the factory in the early '40s. When the serial numbers got to 999999, S&W started using a "V" prefix. These revolvers were known as the Victory models. I'm sure another member here can pinpoint the date a bit closer.

Yours is actually a Model 1905, 4th change, Military & Police. Model numbers didn't appear until 1957 and pre M10s had the post WW II short action, while your gun would have the older long action.

 

[oldtiredcop]

I appreciate the quick answer. Any idea what the numbers under the yoke indicate?

 

[bettis1]

Welcome to the Forum.

The numbers on the yoke are simply fitters marks used to keep the major parts together during the soft fitting process. The same number will appear on the side plate, the cylinder yoke and the frame. They have no significance after the gun is finished and shipped.

Bob

 

[Muley Gil]

I appreciate the quick answer. Any idea what the numbers under the yoke indicate?

Those are assembly numbers, used during the building of the revolver to keep the major parts together.

 

[oldtiredcop]

Thanks all, knowing this now helps tremendously. I also have another M & P blued steel with the serial number of C1705XX, it's not in near as good condition. Any idea of it's age?

 

[Muley Gil]

Thanks all, knowing this now helps tremendously. I also have another M & P blued steel with the serial number of C1705XX, it's not in near as good condition. Any idea of it's age?

Around 1950.

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks all, knowing this now helps tremendously. I also have another M & P blued steel with the serial number of C1705XX, it's not in near as good condition. Any idea of it's age?

!949-50.

As was said, assembly #s, 3 to 5 digits, are on the yoke, frame near the hinge and inside of the sideplate pre war and early post war, changing to yoke, left side of grip frame and inside sideplate after model #s were assigned. You know they are assembly #s because there are 3* locations that always match on guns that are original, and that's the only usefulness for them after guns leave the factory.
*Exception: pre war rear target sight blade numbering.