USMC Smith & Wesson 38 M&P Pre-Model 10 .38 Spl 4″ DA/SA Revolver 1953 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2125
LSB#: 220307KW050
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: U.S.M.C. The .38 Military & Police, Pre-Model 10
Serial Number: C268476
Year of Manufacture: 1953 (Smith & Wesson Letter)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Hand Ejector Revolver.
Markings: The backstrap is marked “”U.S. PROPERTY””. The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right side is marked “38 S.&W. SPECIAL CTG.”. The sideplate has the S&W monogram logo, the right side of the frame is marked with the four-line marcas registradas address. The butt, barrel flat, rear face of the cylinder, front of the ejector (no letter prefix), and rear of the yoke (no letter prefix) are marked with the serial number. The sides of the grip frame, yoke, and yoke cut are marked with inspection marks. The interior of the right grip panel is stamped “273 / 071”. The left side of the frame at the top rear of the cylinder, barrel flat, and rear face of the cylinder are all marked “P”
Barrel Length: 4”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-round blade, it is integral to a base that is forged with the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch, sitting before a “U” channel on the top strap of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut magna stocks with smooth diamonds around the escutcheons and S&W medallions. The grips are slightly shy to the frame at the top where the corner is formed with the grip frame. There is a chip loss repair on the right panel at the top along the front. There is a tiny chip on the left panel at the corner where the grip frame widens into the frame. There are some scattered compressions, dings, and draglines. There are a few scratches. The defects through the finish have colored with age. There are a few little areas of minor finish wear. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition as replacements.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 82% of its metal finish. There are scattered nicks and dings into the metal, some go through the finish and others do not. Some of the most noticeable dings are on the trigger guard. There are scattered scuffs and scratches throughout. There are areas of patina, most noticeable on the grip frame. There are some areas of finish loss, some of the most noticeable are on the side of the barrel at the muzzle and cylinder. There are some scattered spots of surface oxidation. The screw heads are lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces light side to side in full lockup of all 6 chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Smith & Wesson letter and an invoice of a previous sale.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 10 is a revolver of worldwide popularity. In production for decades, some 6,000,000 of the type have been produced over the years, making it the most popular centerfire revolver of the 20th century. This 4″ pre-model 10 is in about Very Good condition with about 82% of its metal finish, a bright bore, and strong mechanics. This is a post-war .38 Military & Police Pre-Model 10 revolver with the improved hammer block and a “C” prefix serial number. It has a pinned 4” barrel, magna stocks, blued finish, and a lanyard loop. After using the M&P as the “Victory” model, in WWII it is no surprise that branches of the armed forces would order more of the proven Smith & Wesson design. Continuing after WWII, regulations prohibited the 1911 and 1911A1 from being carried with a loaded chamber, this made racking the slide a difficult task for aviators as well as K9 handlers so revolvers were the clear choice. The preferred issue of revolvers for aviators lasted quite a while, and Army helicopter pilots even used Victory Models until they replaced them with modern double action 9mm semi-autos, a testament to the S&W design. This M&P .38 comes from the collection of author Kevin Williams, best known for his work on the topic of General Officers Pistols & Clandestine Organization Pistols of WWII. It was shipped to the Marine Crops Supply Annex in Barstow California December of 1953. This one looks like it has seen some duty and will make a great addition to any collection it joins. Please see our photos and good luck!