S&W revolver

[KENGUN]

Here's hoping you S&W aficionados can help me with this handsome revolver that I can purchase for $250 or less. Its at least an 8 on the 10 scale, with fine blueing.The S&W logo is worn, but thats all. Chamber, bore, everything sparkles. Serial number is 74520 made in Springfield Ma. Hoping its a model 10. Barrel length is 5 to 6 inches. Whats a fair price and age? Many thanks to all you dedicated and educated men...
Kengun

 

[DWalt]

What's the caliber? Where is the SN? I GUARANTEE you that at that SN it is not a Model 10. More information is required to identify what it is.

 

[KENGUN]

Add on to my S&W post

This is a S&W 38 caliber...

 

[DWalt]

.38 S&W or .38 S&W Special?

 

[k22fan]

You'll be surprised how close some members can narrow it down with nothing but the correct serial number. It is unlikely that the number you gave is the serial number. The vast majority of S&W revolvers have the serial number on the bottom of the butt. A number there won't be anything else. Some early small I frames have the serial number on the front strap because their stocks covered the bottom of the grip frame.

The confusion arises because the frame, side plate and yoke get an assembly number to keep those fitted parts together during manufacture.

 

[merl67]

Use this link to help the members here help you identify your S&W
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1961-1980/332218-identify-your-gun.html

 

[KENGUN]

What's the caliber? Where is the SN? I GUARANTEE you that at that SN it is not a Model 10. More information is required to identify what it is.

What further info do want?I just added that the serial is on the butt and gave it to you. I have other S&W's and know where the numbers are.I could not get a picture, but can descrbe it well.If you can give me some helpful information from the serial number and my description, that would satisfy my needs. Its as we would say in New York..a clean piece!! For 250 or less, ill buy it anyway and then figure it out!

 

[KENGUN]

38 caliber

 

[KENGUN]

Did not show either. Listed as 38 S&W

 

[KENGUN]

You'll be surprised how close some members can narrow it down with nothing but the correct serial number. It is unlikely that the number you gave is the serial number. The vast majority of S&W revolvers have the serial number on the bottom of the butt. A number there won't be anything else. Some early small I frames have the serial number on the front strap because their stocks covered the bottom of the grip frame.

The confusion arises because the frame, side plate and yoke get an assembly number to keep those fitted parts together during manufacture.

No numbers other than butt they are. 74520...could not see any inside yoke or chamber area. Nothing in barrel.

.38 S&W or .38 S&W Special?

 

[merl67]

No numbers other than butt they are. 74520...could not see any inside yoke or chamber area. Nothing in barrel.

Then it isn't a model 10 it is probably a Military and Police Model of 1905 2nd change these were made from 1906-1909 serial number range 73251-146899.
If you will go to the link I posted and answer the questions found there on this thread someone will be able to nail it down for you.

 

[k22fan]

Does the serial number have a letter prefix? The letter can be widely seperated from the numbers.

 

[KENGUN]

Thanks very much meri67. While I've been looking firca 10, I believe if this is indeed a military or police piece, I would still want it. I will check that site you mentioned. Really appreciate your help....

 

[KENGUN]

Does the serial number have a letter prefix? The letter can be widely seperated from the numbers.

Again, as said, just the numbers given. Nothing elsewhere...

 

[k22fan]

O.K., you serial number guys, have we eliminated the possibility that it could be a Heavy Duty or an I frame?

 

[Absalom]

Then it isn't a model 10 it is probably a Military and Police Model of 1905 2nd change these were made from 1906-1909 serial number range 73251-146899.
......

With the serial as is and if you positively cannot find a prefix like a V or a C, for a .38 caliber gun merl67's diagnosis stands, time-wise obviously at the beginning of the timeframe. So this is an ancestor of the Model 10 you hoped for, but made long before it morphed into the actual Model 10 in 1957.

As for the second part of your question, value, that's hard to do on the basis of a verbal description, since opinions are relative and questions of refinish and such arise that can really be answered only with good pictures.

 

[Absalom]

O.K., you serial number guys, have we eliminated the possibility that it could be a Heavy Duty or an I frame?

Ok, I frame is out if it's a .38, since the RP doesn't have the number on the butt. Did the HD's go that high?

PS: Okay, HD is out because they petered out in the 62,000 range. But does anyone know at what serial the post-1949 RP adopted the sideslab stock style, with butt serial, I assume? Although that one doesn't fit with a 5" or 6" barrel, I would think.

 

[k22fan]

I do not know what you've been offered but there is a simple explanation for a price under $250 on a S&W of the general Military & Police pattern chambered for .38 S&W.

Did not show either. Listed as 38 S&W

.38 S&W is not the same as .38 Special. Hundreds of thousands of Victory Model S&Ws were sold to the British chambered for .38 S&W. Most of them wound up back here as inexpensive surplus. Only ones that were preserved have much value. There is probably one kicking around with s/n V74520. Before WW II S&W stamped the s/n on the butt, rear end of cylinder, back side of extractor, barrel flat and on the rear of the yoke where it is visible through a chamber. You did not spot the s/n in the four other places so I have to wonder if you did not spot a V. Perhaps refinishing removed some of the stamps. That's another thing that drops value.

I only hope I gave you a few things to look for. Good luck.

 

[03clyde]

Crisp photos will help.

 

[KENGUN]

Thanks K22fan. Your explanation sounds viable. This is difficult because the gun is being offered from a estate type of shop and was brought in with a few others of various calibers. To me, the gun is in fine condition but needing a good cleaning. Perhaps I missed seeing any prefix letters on cylinder and such as you mentioned due to the buildup of dust, grime inside. Due either holster rub or from hand use, the quite large S&W emblem engraved on the right side is slightly visible, but authentic.
On the left, just under the chamber it says S&W made in the United States, Registera Unastatus.
Springfield, Mass.
That's about it.
The barreling look fine. The blueing at least a 8-9.
Again my thanks.If its a military or police piece, Im fine with that, just trying to date it.At 83 and just now starting to range shoot again and collect older S&W's, its like being a kid again with your first Daisy BB gun
If I can biy this right, I'll show you the pictures...You wizards are great!