Smith & Wesson S&W Model 40 Centennial Blue .38 Spl Revolver, 1955-1966 C&R
Sold For: $1,030
LSB#: 201001DC41
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 40, The Centennial
Serial Number: 15966
Year of Manufacture: 1955-1966
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double Action Only Revolver Swing Out Cylinder, Hand Ejector, & Optional Grip Safety
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The left side of the frame has Smith & Wesson’s monogram logo. The right side of the barrel is marked “.38 S.&W. SPL.”. The right side of the frame has the four line marcas registradas address. The crane cut is marked “MOD-40”. The serial number is marked on the butt, the underside of the ejector star and stamped on the inside of the right grip panel. The crane and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 2”, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp integral to the tapered rib. The rear sight is a square notch in a round channel integral to the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth high-horned wood. The grips have minor handling wear with a few light nicks and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some tool-slip scratches around the top and bottom sideplate screws. The cylinder has a thin turn-line. The trigger has minor operational wear in otherwise strong case color. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up on each chamber with very little play. There is a grip safety on the backstrap. The safety can be de-activated with a pin which is included in the grip frame in front of the mainspring mounting web. The grip safety is currently enabled and functions properly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a two-piece blue cardboard S&W box with metal reinforced corners, serial number hand-written on the bottom of the tray, model matching label, wax paper, and a cleaning rod. The box has scattered light-moderate storage wear with fraying and surface loss at edges, corners, and some spots in the faces, in about Good-Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This is a Model 40 Centennial with four-screw frame and flat cylinder latch. Interestingly, it has a four-screw sideplate but is also marked with the model number. The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson indicates that the upper sideplate screw was deleted from the design in 1955, but the model number was not marked on frames until 1957. It appears that this revolver’s frame was produced before the design change, but wasn’t finished and assembled until after the model number was introduced, making it a neat transitional piece. The Model 40 is one of few revolvers produced with a “lemon-squeezer” style grip safety in the modern era. For those who prefer not to have a grip safety, it is equipped with a pin, stored in the grips, which can be used to disengage the grip safety. This is a nice feature from the factory, but the “Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson” notes: “”this is usually missing”. This is because it usually falls out of its storage hole freely and is easily lost during removal of the grips. This pin is nice and tight to the frame so it should be easy to retain. This revolver is a functional, concealable revolver whose retro looks will please those who want to carry it. Its high condition, transitional features and original box will also interest the collectors. Please see our pictures and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This pistol is C&R eligible and CAN be sold as a dealer sale in California. It CANNOT be transferred as a Private Party Transfer (PPT) as our Simi Valley location. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
