U.S. Navy USN Smith & Wesson S&W Model 1902 M&P .38 LC 6″ Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1201
LSB#: 220109RB244
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: U.S. Navy .38 Military & Police Model of 1902
Serial Number: The S&W serial number is 25050 and the U.S. Navy serial number is 1075
Year of Manufacture: 1902-1903
Caliber: .38 Military (.38 Long Colt)
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “S.&W. .38 MIL”. The barrel flat is marked with an “S” with an arrow through it and “25050”. The yoke cut is marked with an “S” with an arrow through it and “459”. The yoke is marked with an “S” with an arrow through it and “459”. The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT’D APR. 9. 89. MAR. 27. 94 / MAY. 21. 95. JULY 16. 94. AUG. 4. 96. DEC. 22. 96. OCT. 4. 98. OCT. 8. 01. DEC. 17. 01”. The butt of the grip frame is marked “U.S.N.” above an anchor, “.38 D.A.”, an “S” with an arrow through it, and “No / 1075 / J.A.B.”. The sideplate is marked with the S&W monogram logo. The front strap is marked “25050”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked with an “S” with an arrow through it and “25050”. The front face of the ejector star is marked “25050”. The interior of the right grip frame is marked “25020” in pencil. A previous owner has described “JM” on the left side of the frame.
Barrel Length: 6″, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed half-round blade on base integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” in the top strap. The rear sight notch has been widened by a previous owner.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut stocks with smooth borders and diamonds around the grips screws. There are some scattered light compressions and minor draglines. There are some scattered little marks through the finish. There are a couple of dings on the bottom of the right panel. The checkering is mostly strong with light rub wear. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is strong. There is are a few scattered freckles of faint surface erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The rear sight notch appears to have been widend and the front sight blade appears to have been made thinner by a previous owner. There are some scattered areas of finish loss, some of the most noticeable is on the barrel at the front and on the frame. There are scattered areas of oxidation and patina, some of the most noticeable is scattered over the frame. There are some scattered areas of light erosion, most noticeable on the grip frame, left side of the frame at the rear, and cylinder. The cylinder also has a thick turn line through the finish. There are some scattered scratches. There are scattered areas of light scabbing. There are a few scrapes, the most noticeable is on the top of the frame at the rear edge. There are some scattered handling marks. The edges of thinning and finish loss. The markings are clear and the screwheads are lightly worn. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup is good with light side-to-side movement. 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: None.
Our Assessment: This is an M&P .38 1902 that was made for the U.S. Navy. Built on the round butt K-Frame, the revolver has a 6-inch barrel and is chambered for “.38 S&W Military” which is actually just the .38 Long Colt Cartridge. The gun features U.S. Naval serial numbers and special markings on the butt of the grip frame and also has a Smith & Wesson factory serial number and the numbers on this revolver are matching. The Model is a continuation of the earlier Navy order in 1900 for 1st Model Military & Police revolvers (also known as 1899 Army Navy Revolver). Only about 1000 of the model were made for the contract and the U.S. Navy serial range is 1000 to 2000, this one is 1075. The Smith & Wesson serial range for this cont ract is 25001-26000 and again, this one is in the proper range (25050). The effectiveness of the .38 long Colt cartridge was in doubt due to the experience of servicemen in the Philippines and the services soon switched to the new .38 Special round. The K-Frame Smith & Wesson is one of the most iconic platforms of all time and no revolver collection is complete without one, for those who have the mainstays, this would be a terrific addition to your collection. Please see our photos and good luck!