really old S&W model 10, what's it worth?

C

coolhandluke4

New member
Hi guys, I picked up an old Smith and Wesson model 10, before they were even marked model 10. The numbers on the frame where the cylinder swings out is a larger "S", and below that 36750. On the bottom of the grip is "C 87410" and on the cylinder it also says C 87410.



It's a 38 special, 4" barrel, tapered toward the tip. There is a fair amount of the bluing worn off, but the action is in great shape.

Any idea what it's worth? I got a pretty good deal on it

Thanks!
Luke Smith
 
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It is a S&W Military & Police model made between 1948 and 1951. C 87410 is the serial number...the other numbers are assembly numbers that mean nothing. With the "fair amount of bluing worn off" indicates maybe a fair to good condition. Value is what a buyer is willing to pay but $150 to possibly $300 would be a fair range.

M&P's were introduced in 1899 and, after producing some 5 million, are still in production today.
 
ArkieVol is about right. Depending on how much bluing has worn off will impact the price considerably. So will things like nicks, dings and scratches.

You have a post-war .38 Special Military & Police model, also know as a "Pre-Model 10" since it was made before S&W began using model numbers in 1957. These were very popular revolvers and are not uncommon. Since you are in South Carolina, I suspect regional prices are low (as they typically are for common revolvers in the south) -- probably around $175-$220 to the buyer.

The tapered barrel is also know as the "Pencil barrel" by some and was common until the middle 1960's when the "heavy barrel" began to be more popular. These revolvers were made with a 2", 4", 5" (shown below) and 6" barrel. Sights were fixed, using a notch on the top rear of the frame for aligning the front sight.

IMG_1372.jpg

S&W M&P Model 10 with 5-inch pencil barrel, circa 1970.

Due to the age of your gun you should fire .38 Special standard velocity ammunition in it. To preserve it, I would avoid using any +P ammo as it will only accelerate wear & tear on the gun.
 
It's a 38 special, 4" barrel, tapered toward the tip. There is a fair amount of the bluing worn off, but the action is in great shape.
Click to expand...

Not that long ago you could find these in the $150-250 area. Today I see them in the $250-350 area, even more for a pristine condition model.

This one is a $250+/- revolver on a good day.
PICT0005Small-3.jpg


Some well bring considerably more if they are a unusual version.
MP02.jpg
 
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I bought this one, also not marked Model 10, this month for $250 in a FTF deal.
It dates from 1957 to 1959.
Shot it this week for the first time, and it was great. I used Remington +P SWCHP ammo and Aguila 158gn JHP.
The Aguila load was very accurate.
DSC02135.jpg
 
As others have you have a early fifties M&P. I have one that was produced in 1954. They are great shooting revolvers. They are not rare. I paid for mine $330 but it was refinished. I think the previous had it done a S&W. These revolvers are very accurate with 158 gr LRN ammo as will as 148 gr wadcutters. The standard pressure Buffalo Bore 158 gr LSWCHP would been a good self defense round. The Remington LSWCHP +P could be used in limited amounts.
Good luck on a fine shooting revolver.
Howard
DSC00001.jpg
 
Going back even further, were what we now call pre-Military & Police (pre-M&P) models. The one below is the target version from about 1928. It is an awesome gun to shoot.

SW_PreMPTarget_04.jpg
 
The Model 10/M&P is if not my favorite Smith & Wesson they're pretty close. I have a half dozen or so.

A M&P from 1954/55.

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Not a very good picture, but another one from the 55/56 time period. With a 2" barrel, and the original box and some of the papers, it's one of my nicer ones.

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A better picture of just the gun.

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And from 1948. I'm looking for the proper period grips.

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I haven't shot the 2" one yet, but the others all shoot just fine. 158 grain lead works great.
 
Milford

I have a Model 10-1 that my father gave me back in the 1980's. It had never been fired. It has been fired a lot since I have had it and it sure doesn't like +P. Won't even make it through one box before the cylinder locks up I know S&W says it will handle +P, but she just doesn't like it. She accepts my flaws, I accept her flaws, and we get along. I wouldn't sell her and her next home will be determined in my estate. As far as worth, I've seen them selling on the net for about $250
 
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