Pre Model S&W Pros - Please Look

[Emow]

Hello All, I’m looking at buying a collection of Smith pistols and can’t figure this one out for sure. 971** is serial. 38 spl 4” made in USA. I’m wondering if pre model 10. But the frame seems alittle larger. Could someone tell me the model and maybe an approximate yr made? Appreciate it!

 

[TipBledsoe]

I can’t tell from the photos - What all markings does it have other than the serial number?

 

[Geezer]

38/44 Heavy Duty

 

[cporfe]

My best guess: Two big ifs; if the serial number does not have a letter prefix the ejector rod is wrong. If the serial number does have a prefix, then what I'm going to write if wrong. A prefix or suffix letter makes all the difference in the research in the catalog.
According to the Smith and Wesson standard catalog 4th edition, it could be either a Model of 1905 1st or 2nd change. A K-frame of early manufacture. Both changes use the same range of serial numbers with differences occurring in the internals rather than outward appearances. Manufacture occurred between 1906 and 1909. If memory serves me, modern heat treating didn't occur until later. ( I could be wrong. Colt didn't use modern heat treating in their .38spls until about 1924) Of note is the .38 Spl cartridge was black powder first, then smokeless.
Anyway, that's my guess. Smarter people than me are encouraged to help this new member out.

 

[S13]

Need more pics. Of all markings.

 

[Emow]

Thanks Everyone! I don’t have it in my possession so that the only pics I have. I’ll try to double check the serial with owner tomorrow.

 

[Emow]

So I checked the serial again with owner. Looks like I wrote it down wrong. 9223**

He confirmed the grips aren’t the original ones.

He was told it was an “S” frame, but I don’t see that as a choice of frames?

Does that help anything…. Thanks Y’all!

 

[Geezer]

In your first post, you said it looked larger than a K frame. That would have been the N frame. That's why I said 38/44 Heavy Duty. It was a 38 on a 44 frame, or the N frame.

 

[cporfe]

Perhaps this is an "S" prefix N frame made between 1952 and 1953? Regardless without more photos or the actual guns in-game its just guessing. Could be a 38/44 hand ejector pre numbered gun. Could be a parts gun too.

 

[Emow]

Thanks all! I was able to get it bought among a few others. Here are the pictures. It is an S prefix so the 52-53 yr looks to be accurate. 4” barrel. I know the grips aren’t original… Does this help pin point the actual model?

 

[cporfe]

Thanks for the photos. A little more clarity from the 4th Edition of the Smith and Wesson Standard Catalog by Suprica and Nahas. There is a good chance this is a .38/44 post-war N-frame. However all the 5 screw guns shown in the catalog for this frame have shrouded ejector rod barrels. Clearly since the barrel and frame have the same serial number they are original. That said, "Transitional" models often times have a mixture of parts from before the war as S&W tried to use up inventory. Take the grips off and see if the grips have any serial numbers, usually stamped on one or both.

This gun could be the forerunner of the Model 23. Maybe, but I doubt, the Model 20.

Good collecting.

 

[Emow]

Appreciate it Sir! Thanks for all the info.

 

[RevolverGuy]

That’s no .38/44.

It’s a post-war M&P K-frame, circa 1945-1948.

 

[mongoose]

Looks like a 38 M & P. What is the caliber?