Need help from S&W Experts to identify gun

[TommyT]

Can anyone help me to identify what model this S&W .38 might be? The only thing I can guess after looking through a book is it MAY BE a Pre-Model 10 in nickel from between 1954-1956 but really don't have the knowledge to know for sure. The cylinder, bottom of the butt and on the bottom side of the barrel there are matching 6 digit serial numbers. The yoke on the other hand has different numbers and no model number so I am confused. On the bottom of the butt it shows the letter C to the far left and on the right has a 6 digit serial number 3573XX (see photo where I blocked out last 2 digits). On the left side of the barrel it says Smith and Wesson. On the right side of the barrel it says "38 S.&W. SPECIAL CARTRIDGE". The front site is fixed and is ridged. Can anyone help me know for sure what I have inherited? Not in perfect shape but when I got it, I thought it was ruined stainless it looked so rough. With a few hours of hand rubbing at least I discovered it was nickel under all of that mess.

This might be fun to do in HARD CHROME and carry it.

 

[JWC]

I will try and help.

I believe that to be a .38 Military & Police (postwar) also called a "Pre-Model 10"
The "C" prefix on the serial number began in 1948 and started at 1.
Your serial number falls in this category C277555 through C402923. These numbers were produced from 1954 through 1956.
Yours does not appear to have the upper side plate screw which was eliminated in 1955. Based on that, I would guess, and it is a total guess, that your Smith was produced in 1956.

Stamping of the MODEL number on the yoke did not begin until 1957. Also, the numbers on the yoke are just assembly numbers and their meaning is lost. The serial number will be shown on the butt of the gun,
the face of the cylinder and the barrel flat

Hope that helps.

 

[TommyT]

Thank you. That is all I could figure out as well but don't trust my skills so I thank you for the assistance. Does your research show any value ranges based on condition?

 

[JWC]

Any value I could place on it would just be a guess. I do not believe that the finish is original to the gun. You can check by taking off the grips and looking on the left side of the frame, close to the bottom, for the letter "N". That would mean it was an original nickel gun. Also, value can be added if the grips are original to the gun. While you have the grips off, look for the serial number stamped in the wood of the left grip panel.
Again, I have no idea of the value of that Smith. Can't help you on that.

 

[TommyT]

I appreciate your response. Enjoy your rainy Sunday.

 

[JMarkB]

I wouldn’t refinish it.

 

[JMarkB]

Unless that is not the original finish as stated before, then I don’t guess it matters.

 

[dcline9163]

I have somewhat the same in original grips C4192xx

 

[TommyT]

Any value I could place on it would just be a guess. I do not believe that the finish is original to the gun. You can check by taking off the grips and looking on the left side of the frame, close to the bottom, for the letter "N". That would mean it was an original nickel gun. Also, value can be added if the grips are original to the gun. While you have the grips off, look for the serial number stamped in the wood of the left grip panel.
Again, I have no idea of the value of that Smith. Can't help you on that.

What makes you think the finish is not original to the gun? Did they not do nickel in 1956 on this particular model?

 

[JWC]

There are two reasons I believe that the finish is not original to your gun. First off, the edges appear to me to be rounded, not crisp and as sharp as an original finish would be. The barrel stamping is not sharp to my eyes. That is just my opinion based on what I see in the picture.
The other reason, I can't find where a nickel finish was an option on the Pre-Model 10. Now, it does not mean that none were produced. In the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, page 168, under the heading .38 Military and Police, the second sentence states, "A continuation of the Victory Model with a blue finish". However, I have learned to never say never when it comes to Smith & Wesson and what they produce. Finding or not finding a "N" stamped on the frame would give you the definitive answer.

EDIT: The Pre Model 10 was available from the factory with a nickel finish.