Odd serial number

[Masterbuck54]

Ok I purchased a couple of the used 10-5’s advertised as police trade in’s from PSA.

Picked them up today and will post photos after I clean them up a bit.

The serial number on the one gun is a bit odd as not a “normal” Smith and Wesson serial number

I asked the clerk that assisted me today but no help or comment.

So what do you experts say?

Was it possibly it was an evidence gun and got re-stamped?

It doesn’t appear the bottom of the grip has been ground or filed.

No import marks etc.

The second gun has the more traditional serial number D706xxx

Thanks for any and all comments in advance.

Masterbuck54

 

[Ameshawki]

Interesting. My initial guess is a rack number or department issue number for the "V" Police. Whoever they might be. Victoria Australia comes to mind but that would normally require an import stamp.

I have one coming in tomorrow, am now curious what mine may look like.

 

[Retired W4]

That's right where S&W's serial number should be. At least that is the way it looks to me. Gives me a burning sensation in my finger tips.

 

[AlHunt]

What about the yoke cutout, barrel flat, back of the cylinder or on the back of the yoke? Anything there?

 

[s&wchad]

Look it over closely. If there truly aren't any import markings, it's not a legal recent import (since 1968).

I'm looking forward to the additional photos.

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. Pete, The flat of the butt looks fairly beat up and not like any S&W revolver I own. So I would disagree with you on that point. Im not saying it is spurious, just unusual. If you have a receipt from the FFL you bought it from, I would not worry about it.

 

[Retired W4]

I'd be interested in what SN the FFL puts on the form.

 

[Masterbuck54]

Additional info & photos

Ok just finished chowing down some grub and pulled off the rubber grips that were on it.

1) Marked on back strap “PW Arms Redmond, WA”

2) No numbers on barrel flat or rear of cylinder.

3) Any numbers that were stamped were marked out on yoke.

4) Have receipt from store that reflects the serial stamped on butt.

Will break it down tomorrow as I’ll be pouring a bourbon here shortly

Masterbuck54

 

[Hondo44]

The Mod 10-5 began and ended in 1962.

In that time period the factory serial number would be found in the following four locations:

1. Grip frame butt (K & N frames prefixed by a letter(s) following WWII)

2. Frame in yoke cut

3. Extractor star - backside until ~ 1980 when the new extractor star shape was introduced.

4. Back of right stock, until ~ 1979 when no longer hand fitted, (except most post war target grips because individual fitting not required).

The first two locations are obviously gone. Look for the factory serial # in the other two locations.

 

[A10]

That's the old PacWest Arms. Been gone for a while IIRC. Makes me wonder if they did a custom overseas order with special serial numbers through the factory.

Interesting....

 

[JP@AK]

The Mod 10-5 began and ended in 1962.

It is very rare for my friend Jim (Hondo44) to post something that is inaccurate. But here he did.

The Model 10-5 was introduced in 1962. It continued in production until 1977, when it was replaced by the Model 10-7.

 

[steelslaver]

Possible serial number reassigned by ATF?

 

[Pantherclass2004]

Mr. Pete, The flat of the butt looks fairly beat up and not like any S&W revolver I own. So I would disagree with you on that point. Im not saying it is spurious, just unusual. If you have a receipt from the FFL you bought it from, I would not worry about it.

I agree that you are fine if it was through an ffl

 

[Masterbuck54]

Update after disassembly

Ok just finished cleaning it and have the following information that I determined…not sure if I know what I’m talking about though

1) The bottom of the frame has been machined off to remove the original serial # that it left the factory with. This was based on the stock I placed on the frame is proud to frame.
2) The rear of the extractor star did still have a partial serial # which is D95778 with the last number falling where the hole is in the extractor…so I’m going to call it a “zero”
3) All of the fitting numbers have been xxx’d out with the exception of the one on the inside of the side plate.

I believe this one lived most of its life in a holster….internals didn’t look that dirty at all.

Not sure what stock’s I’ll put on this one yet.

Next on the list of things to do is break down the other police trade in 3” 10-5.

So for $443.25 OTD I’ve got a nice truck gun

Masterbuck54

 

[Ameshawki]

Hope mine is that clean. Pick it up later today.

Fitting numbers getting x'd out is odd to say the least. Whoever "V.P." is wanted their own identity.

 

[Dump1567]

The last 3" sq. butt Model 10's I recall coming in (sold by Buds) came from Australia. I'm guessing these are the same?