Help ID this Smith .38 special

[kingofnapier]

Has a four digit serial starting with "1". Don't have the money to pay Smith $30 for an eval.

 

[Proximal]

JWC in 3...2.....1...

 

[Wheeler]

That looks like a pre-model 36 but I'm a bit confused about the backstrap. I can't tell if the grips are ill fitted exposing the back strap or not. It almost looks like a Safety Hammerless across the back but it's not a top break action.

 

[Lockout]

looks like a 1973 ish smith and wesson

 

[deller]

I'll take it!!!

 

[Gimli2]

That looks like a S&W model 40 revolver to me. That's one of the earlier style cylinder latches...provided that it's original to the gun, I would expect that the gun dates to the 50's.

 

[JWC]

It looks to be a Centennial, Pre-Model 40, or if it is an airweight, a Centennial Pre-Model 42. Wheeler that backstrap is not a backstrap. It is actually a lemon-squeezer style grip safety. It has the flat latch thumbpiece. The grips look to be original, high horn smooth grips I believe, but my eyes are not that good anymore. These guns actually came with a pin stored inside the grips to "pin" the safety down. On most guns of this vintage, the pin is long gone. Looks pretty worn from the pic, so I would have to guess it was carried, and carried alot.
Since they started making these in 1952 at "1", I would guess, and it would be just a guess that it was shipped in the 1953 to 1955 range. Just a guess mind you. Hope that helps.

Edit: Did some checking, and serial number 1061 was shipped in 1954. You said your serial number started with a "1" and was a 4 digit number, so yours would be around that year.

 

[Retread]

Check with the guys at the smith forum. May be worth something. Especially with the low serial number.

 

[JWC]

Check with the guys at the smith forum. May be worth something. Especially with the low serial number.

Good call.

 

[Wheeler]

Thanks JWC. I'm not up on all the different J frames like I should be. I thought that was a grip safety but thought that they were only on the older top break style pistols. I really need to get a Standard Catalog.