Help identifying S&W?

N

ndking1126

New member
Hello everyone. I'm a regular on the rifles, but got a revolver question today. My dad is trying to identify what this pistol is. It's in rough shape, so a lot of the wording on the barrel is hard to read.

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My research leads me to believe it is an I Frame, but possibly an N frame. I have no idea on what the model is. Number on the bottom of grip and under barrel is 3333xxx and number visible when the cylinder is pushed out is 22xxx. Does this mean parts have been replaced? I would assume both of these are supposed to be serial numbers.

If you need more info or pictures of something specific, just let me know. Thanks!
 
It looks like a K frame M&P made before 1921 or so. The number on the bottom of the grip frame is the serial number, but you gave too many digits. I can't see a "made in USA" stamped below the cylinder on the right side. If it isn't stamped there it was made before they started hardening the cylinders. The stamping started in 1921. What caliber is it???

Hint it is not a "CTG"
 
It almost certainly is a Military & Police Model (S&W's were not given model numbers until 1957) in .38 Special caliber. If the number is 333xxx, it was made in 1919 or 1920. The gun has seen hard use and was not cared for, but it might be perfectly safe and fully functional with standard .38 Special ammunition. It should not be fired with +P or +P+ cartriidges. The nickel finish appears to be factory, though in poor condition.

The numbers inside the crane are assembly numbers, used at the factory. The true serial number will be on the butt, the cylinder and (probably) the barrel.

Due to condition, the value is low, probably under $200 if that.

Jim
 
I appreciate the info guys! There is no "Made in USA" on the frame, as you mention. Where would I find the serial number on the cylinder? I did not see one before.

You are correct James, it is 38 Special. Also, the serial number is 333xxx. I did put too many digits, I apologize.

Thanks!
 
It was made just before S&W started using the Made in the USA and Marcas Registradas stamps. A serial number in that range would probably put it in the early 1920s.

The cylinder serial number is on the rear face, what you're looking at when you open the action to load cartridges.
 
The I frame was for small pocket pistols and the N frame is the big one for 44 and 45 caliber revolvers. Hardly possible to confuse them.

You might at least mention the caliber? I agree it looks like a Military & Police Model from before 1923.
 
Howdy

The large 'mushroom shaped' knob on the extractor says the gun is from the 1920s or earlier. Agree it is a K frame, not an I or N. Smiths of that era have the Serial Number stamped on them in four places. Underside of the butt on the frame is the SN of record. The number should also appear on the flat on the underside of the barrel, rear of the cylinder, and underside of the extractor star. That spot is difficult to see without a bright light. A number that does not agree with the number on the butt means the gun did not leave the factory with that part.
 
Driftwood, I would never have seen the extractor star serial number! Haha. I've checked all 4 now, and all match, so that's pretty cool. Too bad it's in such rough shape. We don't have any concern for its financial value though. It's more a good memory than anything.

Thanks everyone! We've scratched the information itch for now. If you think of anything else I should know about it, let us know.
 
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