S&W Model 10--Year of Manufacture?

[6_gunner]

In what year was this gun made?

Pre-model 10 Smith and Wesson military and police revolver; long action; .38 special caliber; six inch barrel; serial number 961309.

It also has a lanyard ring, which seems odd to me. The military never used six inch M&Ps did it? Was that a common feature on police guns? Was that an option on civilian-purchased guns?

Thanks for your help; I really appreciate it.

 

[Old Fuff]

The serial number series ended in 1942 at 999,999. Frankly, I would expect it to be a .38-200 chambered in .38 S&W, not .38 S&W Special. Lanyard loops were always optional, and at this time (1941-'42) all K-frames were being drilled for the ring, although there were some earlier frames around that weren't. The U.S. Military wasn't taking revolvers with 6" barrels for themselves, but they bought some for Plant Security Guards. So were many police departments. There was a small window of opportunity during the Fall of 1941 before World War Two started, but known serial numbers were in the middle 800,000 number range.

Given the circumstances surrounding it, I'd spend the $30.00 fee required for a records search and get the gun lettered. The answer might increase the value of the gun well over what the letter cost.

 

[lonewolf5347]

I had a heavy barrel mod 10 4" man the best gun I ever carried rain sleet and snow it never failed me in 20 years of service.

 

[6_gunner]

Thanks for the help!
I may get it lettered out of curiosity over its history, although I don't think it will be worth much as a collectable. The gun has a lot of holster wear, and the finish is damaged on the frame, outlining where somebody had hand-filling grips on it. I suspect that somebody stored it improperly and the grips retained water, which damaged the finish.
It's still in great mechanical condition, though, and it's a good shooter. Caliber is definitely .38 special, not .38 S&W. Also, I know not to shoot the old gun with +P ammo, lest anybody worry.

Thanks again, I really appreciate the information!