S&W .38 DA English Proofed

[CNoyes1947]

I have owned this nickel plated .38 S&W DA Top Break revolver since the 1950's. It is the only piece I have from what was a modest, but nice collection my Dad and I put together.

English proof marks present on the frame, barrel assembly and each cylinder.

Not sure of the model number, 3rd, maybe.

Thanks for looking.

 

[mmaher94087]

Your revolver, SN 354262, is a fourth model. The 4th Model serial numbers run from 322,xxx to the 500,000's.

 

[CNoyes1947]

Thank you.
I probably knew that at one time, but I've sold all my reference materials and the memory isn't what it used to be.

Any idea how many were shipped to England?

 

[BMur]

Proof Marks

Nice gun.
It has the logo stamped on the right side frame and no caliber stamp on the barrel so it shipped from the factory between 1896-1902.
Those proof marks are late black powder proofs. They are similar to Birmingham proofs but I'm not convinced.

Photo 1: can you provide a good photo of that frame marking?

Photo 2 : That's the proof house stamp that follows a Birmingham proof pattern.

Photo 3: Pre-Boer War proof(Webley 455) pistol Proof House stamp.

Murph

 

[rct269]

A letter from the S&W Historical Foundation might (MIGHT) tell you the number shipped to England---perhaps not precisely, but the best guess available anywhere. Should you decide to go the letter route, pose that question in your request. (As an aside, the letter will tell you exactly when the gun was shipped, and to whom; as well as provide a brief history of the model.)

The particulars of ordering a letter will be found in the Foundation's section of this forum.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[CNoyes1947]

The stamp below the cylinder is not a complete stamp and difficult to get a clear, sharp photo.

 

[mmaher94087]

Often, sometime after WWII I believe, the British Government had imports stamped "NOT ENGLISH MAKE". I believe that is what your stamp reflects even if not clear. Is there a stamp on the barrel that gives the bore size (.380) and says something like '4 tonnes'? If so, that indicates that it went through the Proofing process and was accepted.

 

[CNoyes1947]

Since you say that, I can easily see, NOTENGLISHMAKE, sans spaces.


Pretty sure the revolver predates WWII, unless it was sent there during WWII to help them with arms supplies.


There is no bore size marking or 4 tonnes.



I think I need a letter from S&W.

 

[mmaher94087]

Sorry for my typo. 'NOT ENGLISH MAKE' is correct. The revolver is prior to WWII but may have been imported later than the war.

 

[rct269]

So as to make the best use of your time, letters (now known as "Letters of Authenticity"----and opposed to the "factory letters" term we grew up with) are now provided by the S&W Historical Foundation (See their section in this forum.)

In addition to the established format of the letters, the Historian will almost always respond to specific questions posed along with the order for the letter.

Ralph Tremaine