RARE German Import Smith & Wesson Model 10-7 .38 Spl 3″ DA/SA Revolver 1985
SOLD FOR: $1,165.00
LSB#: LSB251029CW016
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 10-7, The .38 Military & Police
Serial Number: AFW8338
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1985 / Modern. Gun was imported to Germany in 1986 per the “IG” Date code on the crane cut.
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” with a German Nitro proof mark. The right side is marked “38 S&W SPECIAL CTG.” The crane cut is marked with “MOD 10-7” and with several German proof marks and an “IG” Date code, denoting German import in 1986. The serial number “AFW8338” is marked on the butt of the grip frame. The left side plate is marked with the S&W monogram logo and the right of the frame is marked with the four-line marcas registradas address. The crane and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks. There is an import mark of “TEXIMP FORNEY TXD” on the underside of the barrel.
Barrel Length: 3”, Tapered barrel (RARE) Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed serrated ramp blade, painted red, forged to the tapered solid rib on the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch milled into the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut Magna stocks. There is a Pachmayr foregrip that has been added to the gun. There is little to no wear. There are a few minor handling marks. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case color hammer and trigger.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion or fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates at a 10/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are no carbon rings on the face of the cylinder. There are light handling marks on the frame. There is a thin turn line in the cylinder. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up well on each chamber with light side-to-side play. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double action is smooth. 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: Box and paperwork (matching)
Our Assessment: This Smith & Wesson Model 10-7 is a notably scarce German-import example that reflects a unique chapter in the global circulation of America’s most enduring service revolver. During the Cold War era, quantities of Smith & Wesson Military & Police revolvers were exported to Europe, where they were subjected to mandatory civilian proofing prior to sale. The German Nitro proofs present on this revolver, along with the “IG” date code in the crane cut indicating 1986, document its formal proofing and entry into the German commercial market. These marks are crisp, correct, and historically significant, placing this revolver among a relatively small group of Model 10s that carry verifiable West German proof history.
Equally compelling is the revolver’s rare 3-inch pinned tapered barrel configuration. While heavy barrels dominate later Model 10 production, the tapered barrel harkens back to earlier Military & Police handling characteristics, offering livelier balance and quicker presentation. The 3-inch length further elevates desirability, as it represents one of the most practical and least commonly encountered barrel lengths in the Model 10 series. Combined with the classic fixed-sight arrangement, this configuration delivers the quintessential K-frame service revolver profile in a compact, well-balanced form that is seldom encountered in late-production examples.
Condition further strengthens this revolver’s appeal. Retaining approximately 95 percent of its original blued finish, with sharp markings, a bright 10/10 bore, and clean mechanical function, it presents as a carefully preserved example rather than a surplus trade-in. The presence of matching box and paperwork adds meaningful completeness, while the documented German proof marks and import history elevate it beyond a standard Model 10-7. Taken as a whole, this revolver represents an uncommon convergence of late production, European proof history, and a highly desirable tapered 3-inch barrel configuration that will stand out in any Smith & Wesson K-frame collection. Please see our high resolution photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck on your bids!!!
BF
