smith wesson marked 38-380

peddler

Just saw a Old Smith with barrel marked 38 sw 380 with some other odd markings. 1930's to 1950's , will get more info soon. Anyone have any info?

Hawk Carse

Could be a WWII British contract gun.
Their standard revolver was the .38 S&W with 200 (later 178) gr bullet, variously listed as .38/200, .380/200, .380 Revolver mk I or mk II.


Many, many of these were reamed out to take .38 Special before unloading them on gullible colonials after the war. A lot of them were sawn off so short as to lose the front latch lug. A lot of those were nickel plated. If it has been altered, it is worth a LOT less money.

nmyers

Yes, this would likely be the K-200, aka British Service Revolver.

Be sure to get the serial number for us.

Neal

EDIT: We need all the pics we can get.

peddler

Trader for this war time revolver this afternoon. Will try to be some pictures on soon. Serial # 820284. Left side of barrel has a British crown and BNP under it, also .38. 767' 3 1/2 tons. Right side of barrel has 38/380 also 38 SW ctg. Need all the info I can get, thanks.

rufe-snow

This is the version with the 4" barrel, chambered for the .38 Special cartridge. Used by U.S. forces. At this link.

http://coolgunsite.com/pistols/victory_model_smith_and_wesson.htm



If yours is factory original it will have a 5" barrel, and still be chambered for the .38 S & W cartridge. The brits called their cartridges 38/200. Although it was the same chambering, as our .38 S & W cartridge.

The proof marks on yours are post W W II. British commercial proof marks. Most that I have run across over the years have been reamed out for .38 Special cartridge.

peddler

This old revolver has not been modified (except for the grips) and is still a 38 SW. Still has what looks like black paint, thank they called it "black magic" or maybe "carbonia". Does not have "United Stated Property" any where on it.
The black magic is about 60%, anyone have a ball park price for the old Smith. Thanks

peddler

The old Smith has not been shot very much and is real tight.

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by peddler
This old revolver has not been modified (except for the grips) and is still a 38 SW. Still has what looks like black paint, thank they called it "black magic" or maybe "carbonia". Does not have "United Stated Property" any where on it.
The black magic is about 60%, anyone have a ball park price for the old Smith. Thanks


Not being rechambered to .38 Special, is a positive as far as collectors are concerned. The finish @ 60%, is a negative. That would drop it to the, "Good" category.

As original Lend Lease S & W's, that haven't been rechambered to .38 Special. Have dried up. Your best bet for top dollar, would be for a W W II S & W collector. Who realizes what it is, to buy it.

Otherwise a "Good" condition M & P, in .38 S & W. Not going to sell for big bucks. Your best bet, would be to put it on the auction. In hopes that collector(s). That realize what it is, will bid it up.

peddler

Thanks for the info

Hawk Carse

If it looks painted, that is not S&W Black Magic finish, which was a bluing (black oxide) type finish. A common British finish and very common refinish was an enamel called Suncorite. That may be what you have. Hard to tell without close clear pictures.