Smith and Wesson C&R Help

[Shiloh]

I just picked up S&W revolver yesterday which was marked as "pre-war". I deal with these guys quite a bit so I didn't question the pistol all too much, and since I like wood and iron guns, bought it for $490.00 O.T.D. Not sure if I got a good deal or not and I usually do my research prior to buying but I kinda like this piece. The gun didn't have the original wood grips however, but instead was sporting Pachmayrs. I figured it wouldn't be too hard to find a set of originals again somewhere. When I brought it home and had a little time I started to research what I had. Now I am just plain thoroughly confused!

I started by trying to look up the serial number but ran into types, and changes to the same guns depending on era. Now I'm not even sure what the serial number is. Ive found multiple numbers and markings and am not sure which to use to identify the gun. I was wondering if any of you guys/gals could chime in and teach me a little something. The numbers I found are as follows:

848388 found at the base of the grip. The base area is flat.

S found between cylinders then 849398 between the the next two cylinders.

19998 was found on the crane.

N 2 with 19998 stamped under it was found on the frame where the frame and the crane meet.

S 849398 is found under the barrel where the ejector sits.

This is a 5 screw gun with the last patent date being "Dec. 28 1914" stamped on top of the barrel.

It is also a 38 and states "38 S&W special CTG" on the right side of the barrel.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

[highpower]

848388 is the serial number. The others are assembly numbers and inspectors stamps. A rough guess tells me it was made around 1940.

[rromeo]

The S849398 is your serial number. S prefix started late in WW II on the Victory Model .38s and carried over into postwar production. S 999999 was made in 1948, then switched to the C prefix. You probably have a 1947 gun.

[2761377]

the 'S" prefix indicates the revolver is equipped with the then new hammer block safety.

[ironhorse1]

Without a few pictures we can't tell you much more.

What is the barrel length measured from the front of the cylinder?

Is it blued or parkerized? Is the front sight a half moon?

What does the ejector knob look like?

irh

[Flyin Brian]

I believe RROMEO has it nailed, it's what most collectors refer to as a transitional model, basically a Pre-model 10.

Post up some pics!!!

[morrcarr67]

Sent from my ASUS_Z00TD using Tapatalk

[Shiloh]

Without a few pictures we can't tell you much more.

What is the barrel length measured from the front of the cylinder?

Is it blued or parkerized? Is the front sight a half moon?

What does the ejector knob look like?

irh

The Smith is blued with a half moon front sight and the "V"style frame rear sight.

Thanks for the replies. I'll try to take pice later today. I know pics help a LOT but was completely buried with "honey do's" yesterday from the time I originally left this post to 1230 this morning.

One of the guys at the gunstore also mentioned something about it being a transition model. He wasn't sure why it was marked "pre-war"if this is the case. How much do these pistols run on average these days?

[rromeo]

$500 or thereabouts in decent condition. Up a little if it's pristine and a little more if you have the box. Down if there's a lot of wear.

[ironhorse1]

38 Military & Police (Postwar)

It could have been made in 1946 as S811120 was reportedly started in September 1945.

It will have the long throw hammer as the short throw hammer was not introduced until April 1948.

Looking forward to seeing some pictures.

irh

[Shiloh]

Ok, here are some pics. By the way, i was informed it was also a short throw hammer.

[Shiloh]

Here is another picture.

[Shiloh]

And another picture.

[Shiloh]

Hope these will clarify a few things. Now I need to find out what grips I should be looking for.

[melonhead209]

LOOKS LIKE A S&W MODEL 10 MAYBE, THAT ONLY IS CAPABLE OF SHOOTING .38 SPECIALS ONLY??? FOR WHAT YOU PAID FOR, I THINK YOU OVERPAID FOR IT DEARLY. MAYBE $300 AT THE MOST.