Pre model10

[Gerry1291]

I just aquired this revolver, see attachments. I was told it is a "Pre Model 10" with " correct " grips. I'd like to know if this is correct, when it was made, and appropriate value. Is there a web site or book that you could recommend where I could find more information?
There is no model # on the yoke, it is a 5" 38 special, s/n = 618613

 

[Art Doc]

A purist would say it's not a pre 10 because that would be a Military & Police Model made 1949-1957 right before model numbers assigned. Yours is much older (late 1920s or 1930ish) and doesn't share features with the M10. I don't care for the whole pre thing and never use that term. You have an M&P.

If you just acquired it likely worth about what you paid. I see them for $250-$500 depending on condition and the nerve of the seller.

 

[Daniel Howe]

The Standard Catalog of Smith and WEsson 4th Edition. It has lots of good information.

 

[Bob L]

Welcome to the forum and you have a very nice start to the wonderful world of Smith & Wesson. As Daniel mentions above, get a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson. What you can't find in there, the amazing members here will be able to fill in for you.

 

[Absalom]

.... Yours is much older (late 1920s or 1930ish) and doesn't share features with the M10....

That’s a bit of an exaggeration

It’s indeed too early for what most collectors call a pre-Model 10, but it’s still basically the same gun.

The logo is on the opposite side, the hammer and the innards are somewhat different, and the gun should be an M&P from right around 1930, when the stock style changed, so check the serial which by that time should be stamped into the back of the right panel.

 

[hkcavalier]

It's one of the most common handguns ever made. Everything looks correct, but remove the grips --- the serial number should be stamped into the wood of one of the grip panels.

If not for that bluing loss, someone might be in it for $500, but to me it's a $350 gun tops.

 

[Gerry1291]

Thanks for all of your replies. The serial number is on the inside of the right grip. The finish is not in good shape but it doesn't look like it has been shot much if at all, the cylinder looks prisine.

 

[Peak53]

You've probably got a grand shooter with an outstanding pre-war action. It just feels right. Shoot it with moderate lead loads in either 148 g. wadcutters or 158 g. semi-wadcutters and it will reward you.

 

[Art Doc]

A 1920s M&P is far different from a mid 50s model.

 

[Waveski]

Value - given the condition I would have topped out at around $325. The blemish on the port side brings it down a bit. The fine grips would help to get my interest. A truly fine shooter , one that will hold value.

I do not like the “pre-10” term. You have a nice old M&P there.
Congratulations and welcome.

 

[Absalom]

A 1920s M&P is far different from a mid 50s model.

I guess “different” is in the eye of the beer holder. But all dimensions are identical, and any differences are either marginal and cosmetic (hammer spur, ramped front sight, screws, rod tip, markings) or internal (long/short action, hammer block) with no discernible effect for the average user.

If you want to call this “far different”, how are you going to escalate that if you have to compare the M&P to a 1911 or a flintlock pistol?

 

[daddio202]

There seems to be a pre model 10 resurgence or its just hugely popular right now. I see them for sale all over Gunbroker for pretty high prices. Most are like the LP's gun- far too early to actually be a pre model 10. A pre model 10 would be made in mid 50's have a short action hammer, a 4 line address on the right instead of the Made in USA, a large Smith and Wesson trademark stamp on the sideplate on right instead of small on the left under cylinder release and most likely have a more dull blue colored finish rather than the shiny black that guns had pre war. Other than those asthetic differences though it's the same gun. The OP has a nice shooter grade gun that is all original so I would suggest to just enjoy shooting it and with care it will last a long time.

 

[Gerry1291]

I had no idea how old this gun was when I bought it, I just thought it was cool & would be good shooter. Even though I'm confident this gun has never been fired I plan to enjoy the holiday weekend doing just that...thanks again for all of your information about this gun.