Request for build date please

[Svt93cobra]

I received an old .38 revolver from my Father in Law and would
like more info if possible. I believe it to be a K frame model 10.
Serial # C 12802.

Thanks for the help!

 

[JCS&W]

First off, welcome to the site.

I cannot give you a build date, but I can provide, by using the Standardard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, an approximate shipping year.

Serial number C 12802 was shipped between 1948 and 1951.

Only a letter from S&W can give you the actual date it was shipped. If you can, post some pics. I, and I am sure others, would love to see the gun.

 

[Svt93cobra]

Thanks for the information. The gun shoots great and is in nice condition. I have pics but can't seem to upload them off my ipad.

 

[DCWilson]

A low five-digit serial number incorporating a C prefix is very likely (but not certain) to have left the factory in 1948.

Technically, the Model 10 did not exist until 1957 when the numerical model designation system was introduced. But this is an example of the gun that became the Model 10, so most collectors would call it a "Pre-10" for short.

 

[Svt93cobra]

here are a few pics. thanks again for your help!

 

[Svt93cobra]

and a few more