Pre-Victory question

[red9]

This is my second Smith from the recent auction. Serial number 735013, British proofed, caliber 38 S&W. I have seen a few of these before and was wondering if the first British contracts specified 6" barrels or if that was just what the factory had on hand and could deliver quickly. Also, with S&W making magna stocks by that time, the older service style couldn't have been much cheaper or faster to turn out.

 

[Retired W4]

I'm not sure about the first contracts, but it appears that well over 30,000 6" S&W .38's were purchased by the Britts from 1940-1942. Around April 1942 the 5" became standard. I will probably spend more time with C. Pate's book to confirm all that for my own peace of mind. Others, smarter than me, should be more accurate on the subject.

 

[Waidmann]

First, the WWII era began around 640XXX, April 1940. In June of 1940 alone 36,600 six-inch S&Ws shipped to the British Purchasing Commission and Canada.

Your's appears to be all correct and in what I believe in serial number range.

Some detail on markings would be interesting. The pre-1954 Birmingham proofs indicate when it left service, near the triggergaurd you will likely find crossed scepters with code that will reveal the proof date. Over the grip appears what might be an "Arrow C" Canadian property mark. It does not appear have the Enfield Arsenal markings.

I have seen 6" K-200 British Service Revolvers with no post factory marks.

 

[Art Doc]

They wanted 5" guns but took what S&W could deliver.

 

[w10085]

I've got one with Canadian acceptance marks that is 3000 pistols after yours. I also have one 20,000 ahead. Both with 6" barrels. I really like shooting them both. Yours looks nice. Enjoy it!