Pre-10 ID Help

[BrazosJoe]

Here is my recent acquisition. It is identical to my other Pre-10, but I can not find any documentation for the nickel so I assume it was a refinish job. S#S822632 which should have been either 44 or 45, it has no lanyard ring or access port. Any opinion appreciated.

The address and patent info is on the top of the barrel, S&W emblem on the right side with Made in USA in front of the side plate. All numbers match in the appropriate spots.

Thanks

 

[Maximumbob54]

Burn, I was all wrong there...

 

[hsguy]

Joe, you have an early post-war transition pre-10 with some pre-war features like the large ejector knob. The gun is a definte refinsh as evidenced by the weak logos, sideplate fit and rounded edges. If the mechanics and bore are good it should be a fun shooter.

 

[scha]

The serial number indicates 1946 production or so. The nickel is a refinish. It originally had diamond magna grips and with this early serial number they could have been the finer checking as used pre WWII.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[dacoontz]

I agree with others that it is likely refinished but may have originally been nickel. Most guns of this era are not marked if they left the factory nickel. More pre-war guns tended to be nickel and so they didn't mark the frame in any way unless it was supposed to be blued and then they oftne marked it with a "B." This mark then swithced after the war when more Smiths were being ordered as Blued guns and so they began marking the guns with an "N." Of course this isn't a 100% thing but it seems to be more common than not from what I have seen. Being that this gun is in a transition period of sorts then it is hard to say what system it would have followed. I am not sure if having a pre-war frame would clarify that. So possibly an originally nickeled gun that has been refinished in nickel. I hope that wasn't as confusing it is sounded.