Help identify S&W .38 Special

[huscarl]

Please help identify this S&W .38 Special revolver, I've just inherited it, which means the shooter who could have told me about it is no longer available.

Serial # S 873xxx.

Thank you for any assistance.

 

[Jim Watson]

The illustrated revolver is a Smith & Wesson Military & Police model. That became the Model 10 in 1957 but this gun is a good deal older. So a lot of people would call it a "pre-model 10." Somebody with the book will be along to tell you just when it was made.

It has been aftermarket nickel or chrome plated - Smith & Wesson does not plate the hammer and trigger. The plastic stag grips are also replacements.

 

[rcmodel]

The K-Frame S serial number begin in 1945 to indicate the second hammer block safety was added.

They only used the S serial number between 1945 and 1948, when it was changed to a C prefex.
S serial number block begin at S-811,120 and ended at S-999,999.
I would guess yours to be late 1946 - early 1947'ish.

rc

 

[huscarl]

Whoa, time got away from me back there. Thank you both for your prompt and detailed responses!