I recently purchased a model 10, no dash, with a "US" marking on the back strap.. Looking for information and value on this item.. Not sure if the "US" marking makes it worth anything more.. Looked on gunbroker, but haven't seen anything similar.. Any information would be helpful.. Thankyou
Smith and Wesson model 10.. US
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Serial number dates it to about 1960.
It very possibly is a flight crew revolver from the Vietnam war. It's probably worth a letter.
It very possibly is a flight crew revolver from the Vietnam war. It's probably worth a letter.
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Welcome! The US stamp is consistent with it being a military contract revolver. A fair number of these were procured and there are several threads here documenting their use by US Army aviators.
Agree a letter would be an excellent idea. As you might imagine, this marking is easily faked but a real example is probably worth 2-3 times or more of a civilian gun of the same condition and vintage. The request is the first link on this page:
Letter Process - Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation
Agree a letter would be an excellent idea. As you might imagine, this marking is easily faked but a real example is probably worth 2-3 times or more of a civilian gun of the same condition and vintage. The request is the first link on this page:
Letter Process - Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation
That is a real sweetheart. The 2" round butts were not the norm for Army aviators. Most 38 M&P's I saw in Viet Nam were 4" square butts. Of course that's not to say they were not there. I just don't remember seeing any. As I recall, the Table of Organization & Equipment (TO&E) for an Assault Helicopter Company did not specify barrel length, just Revolver, Cal., 38. In ordinary English that would be 38 caliber revolver. 
From the condition of the gun I might assume it was issued to some staff weinnie, like a Battalion Safety Officer.
From the condition of the gun I might assume it was issued to some staff weinnie, like a Battalion Safety Officer.
You definitely should letter this revolver as you will be pleased with the result.
Bill
Bill
bananaman
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Kidrazor1, that is a hint you should take seriously. I would.
vistafjord
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Lock Stock & Barrel sold one at auction a year or so ago
Lock Stock & Barrel sold one at auction a year or so ago. I believe Woodlawn Boys sold one on GB as well, and it went for $$. That might give you a sense of what it could be worth. A cool gun that is seldom seen!
Lock Stock & Barrel sold one at auction a year or so ago. I believe Woodlawn Boys sold one on GB as well, and it went for $$. That might give you a sense of what it could be worth. A cool gun that is seldom seen!
vistafjord
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"P" on left side of frame
btw, the "P" on the left side of the frame is also usually associated with military-issued revolvers of this period. That is a good indicator of authenticity of this piece, but the letter will tell you for sure.
btw, the "P" on the left side of the frame is also usually associated with military-issued revolvers of this period. That is a good indicator of authenticity of this piece, but the letter will tell you for sure.
$399 is a great deal even for a re-import.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
We saw a bunch of Model 10 .38 Special revolvers in Vietnam. Many were issued to US Army aviation crew members, which were mostly 4" square butt, however I saw some round butts also as well as a few Model 12 (alloy frame). We saw a few issued to Army Infantry units for use by "tunnel rats" in clearing underground tunnel and bunker facilities, a use that favored reduced report, muzzle flash, recoil, etc.
In addition to aviator use there were 2" versions issued to CID (Criminal Investigation Division) and some military intelligence personnel, in Vietnam as well as US and European assignments.
Probably other units and uses, perhaps other military branches (Navy NCIS, Department of Defense investigators, Defense Department depots and maintenance facility security personnel, etc). I recall seeing the Field Manuals for Revolver, Caliber .38 which detailed multiple versions of the S&W and Colt revolvers issued during the 1960s and 1970s.
That is one I would get a letter on and hang onto. The letter is likely to tell how many pieces were included in the shipment and to whom that shipment was delivered, most likely a military depot activity but possibly a specific unit or command.
In addition to aviator use there were 2" versions issued to CID (Criminal Investigation Division) and some military intelligence personnel, in Vietnam as well as US and European assignments.
Probably other units and uses, perhaps other military branches (Navy NCIS, Department of Defense investigators, Defense Department depots and maintenance facility security personnel, etc). I recall seeing the Field Manuals for Revolver, Caliber .38 which detailed multiple versions of the S&W and Colt revolvers issued during the 1960s and 1970s.
That is one I would get a letter on and hang onto. The letter is likely to tell how many pieces were included in the shipment and to whom that shipment was delivered, most likely a military depot activity but possibly a specific unit or command.
I own a lettered Vietnam period 4-inch RB version US marked Model 10-5 myself. A letter (assuming US military, I see nothing in OP pics that would make me think otherwise) will easily triple the value. The 4 inch version is rare, IMO the 2 inch is even rarer. That is one I would love to have in my own collection. Good score!
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kwill1911
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That is a picture of a Tunnel Weapon (QSPR) in a highly specialized shoulder holster, not a Model 10.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
With those sideburns I was thinking "Navy" man or Glen Campbell. 
OFT II
US Veteran
I'm thinking civilian. Look at the belt and buckle.
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