The tag said "model 12"but,

[sgmsparky]

An acquaintance at the recent gun show had this revolver on his table and basically thought it was pretty nice.

 

[Muley Gil]

This is a post WW II Military & Police from the late 1940s. Model numbers were not assigned by S&W until 1957 and didn't show up until 1958.

You have been a member since 2009 and this is your 11th post? So I guess you wouldn't post again until next year?

 

[sgmsparky]

No computer. I kinda figured about 1947.

 

[JP@AK]

Postwar .38 M&P that likely shipped in October, 1946. Nickel guns do show up in this serial range. This one appears to be original, except for the stocks.

Decidedly not an aluminum frame revolver and not model marked.

 

[sgmsparky]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate the info. The inside of the yoke and frame have 12 780 just like that with the space. I guess it appeared to be a model"12". I'm not complaining. Would like to eventually find the correct stocks.

 

[Absalom]

..... Would like to eventually find the correct stocks.

For an original nickel gun from that time, the finish seems to be in exceptional shape.

Too bad the owner didn't keep the original stocks; they'd be pristine too, and finding some in that condition will not be cheap.

You will be looking for sharp-shoulder magna stocks. See attached picture.

The logo on your photos is a bit washed out by the light, but the ones on the gun now appear to be Franzites, not original but at least period-correct; these were pretty popular back then.

 

[Texas Star]

You can see a gun like that on YouTube episodes of a TV show called, Sheriff of Cochise. It morphed into, US Marshal, both starring John Bromfield. He wore a gun like that in a shoulder holster. May have also had a belt holster; memory fades.

Those were among my favorite shows as a kid. I was pleased to see a cop show set in AZ.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

SHERIFF OF COCHISE

You can see a gun like that on YouTube episodes of a TV show called, Sheriff of Cochise. It morphed into, US Marshal, both starring John Bromfield. He wore a gun like that in a shoulder holster. May have also had a belt holster; memory fades.

Those were among my favorite shows as a kid. I was pleased to see a cop show set in AZ.

Texas
Yeah, and he had those custom made shirts. I also like the rifle in the door. That holster was the berries.

 

[Targets Guy]

My '46 is about 23,000 lower than yours (s/n). The stocks are numbered to the gun.

 

[DWalt]

Yours almost certainly shipped in the second half of 1946. I love the Franzite grips - several recent threads here about Franzites.

 

[sgmsparky]

They are "Franzite" grips. "grips the world".Thanks for the input! I might have a lead on some period correct grips that I'll check out. Don't recall the Sherif of Cochise.

 

[daddio202]

Every time I am at my FFL I see them look into the crane area on S&W revolvers looking for the model number on pre numbered era guns. I bet a lot of revolvers have been sold through the years being misrepresented by people looking to the crane area as model and serial numbers. Looks like the OP came out pretty good on the deal. The pre model 10's and post war transition guns have been selling a little high lately. Enjoy that nickel beauty.