What model S&W is this?

I misinterpreted the markings in my prior post due to the poor focus. The gun is actually marked A^F for Australian Forces, and not D^D for Department of Defence.

I determined this from the following guide to Aussie military markings at the Lithgow Small Arms Factory (LSAF) Museum website. The guide is for Lee-Enfield rifle markings, but several of the markings are apparently the same.

http://www.lithgowsafmuseum.org.au/factsheets/fs001_smle_markings.pdf

I don't know exactly what the crown over "3D" over "A"(?) marking indicates, but it looks very similar to documented Commonwealth inspection marks from the WWII era, so I assume that's what it is.
 
It went through Factory Thorough Repair (FTR) at Lithgow (MA) in 1955. I doubt much was actually done to it. FTR is an arsenal inspection/repair; it can be anything from a complete rebuild to a minor part replacement to a cleaning and serviceability check.

Jim
 
Thank you all for the information and links, most helpful. while skimming through the links (and links form links :D) I found one that said a V in front of the underside in front of the trigger guard was an Australian mark for a Victory. Not sure if that's true or of any consequence, just another mark of history. I also found the W.B square inspectors stamp which (correct me if I'm wrong) is for Col. Waldemar S. Broberg the army inspector of ordnance for the hartford & springfield ordnance district from '41 to '42. And a large 5 both stamped on the but of the grip. The 5 could be a rack number maybe?


Haven't found a definite on the crown marking yet. So I'm going to assume the above explanation Chris gave as well. I'm going tomorrow to one of my favorite places. An army surplus that deals mostly with WW I and WWII items, as well as odd/surplus ammo. He has a pretty large amount of the lighter grained .38 S&W in right now. I'm hoping to find the correct Aussie holster, belt and lanyard as well.
 
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Tallball
Nice piece! I have a Australian SMLE it might have served with.
Click to expand...

Very well could have :) I'd like to think this one was toted by Monty and used to run Jerry back into Tunisia :D if only, and I had a signed letter :rolleyes:

I do wish I still had my Jungle Carbine to pair with it. I'll have to pick up another enfield now....dang! :D
 
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