S&W Pistol Date Help

Bamadoc72

I am looking for some information on a nickel plated S&W pistol. I am not sure what model it is but was hoping that the serial number would help. On the buttpiece and under the grips the serial number is # C 3079XX. The number CN3079XX is under the barrel in the cartridge ejection pin recess area. There are assembly numbers on the cylinder crane and opposite the crane on the frame #209XX. I was told that this was a particular make and model because of having a larger screw near the hammer on the frame. Any truth to that? This has typical fixed notch rear sight and a smooth ramp front site I thought to be unusual since most have the serrated ramp on front. Any help would be greatly appreciated and If you have any additional questions please let me know.
Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Herschel

Bamadoc72, S & W revolvers with serial numbers between C277555 and C314031 were made in 1954. The models using these serial numbers were models 10, 11, 12, Aircrewman and their pre-model versions. This info is from Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica and Hahas.

Contender Man

Hi and welcome to the forum!

Your revolver is a pre-numbered model. S/N given references to mfg. between 1954 and 1956 and given the number the date is closer to '54.

It is what is known as a "K" frame revolver and after 1957, the following numbered models were produced under the "C" prefix: Model 10 (M&P 38 special), Model 11 (M&P 38/200), Model 12 (Airweight 38 Special) and the Model 45 (M&P 22lr "Post Office").

Another name associated with revolvers deals with the number of screws in the frame. Example: Model 10 Five Screw or Four Screw. These were early model revolvers that used 4 screws in the right sideplate and the top screw (by the hammer) was larger in diameter than the others. On "Five Screw" models the 5th screw was actually in the front of the revolver, above the trigger guard, pointing back toward the rear of the revolver.

Again, from the s/n you provided yours would be a "Five Screw" and the caliber and or frame material would determine what Model it would have evolved into beginning in 1957. Assuming that the finish is factory then in all liklihood your revolver is what became the Model 10. However I have seen aftermarket nickle and chromed Model 11's. But I am unaware of any Model 12 or Model 45 factory or aftermarket finished in nickle or chrome.

Caliber should be marked on the barrel.

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If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!

Bamadoc72

Thanks for all the great info. The barrel is marked with 38 S&W Special CTG. I am guessing with that and the info provided that this is a Model 10. Also with regards to the frame type...I noticed a N stamped under the grips on the frame rail. What does this marking represent if anything? What would be a good guestimate on value of this pistol? It was a gift and I am planning to keep it but would like to know. There is the typical wear around the cylinder from cycling however little elsewhere. Again thanks for the great info and continued help.

Contender Man

There are many theories about the assorted numbers and symbols found on the revolvers. Some, particularly the star, have been determined to mean that the gun was returned to the factory for some type of work, but even with this there is argument that it ment the gun was refinished, which many of us feel to not necessarily be the case. Even the information in the S&W Standard Catalogs (1st and 2nd editions) is sparce on this area.

With the barrel marked 38 Smith & Wesson Special CTG we'll go with the Pre-Model 10 assumption. And as for value the condition of the gun as well as the area of the country you are in influence that number. However, I will venture a range of $200-300 with the caution that if the gun were to be sold the price would be more toward $250, but for insurance purposes use $300 and make sure that you have a "replacement" value policy lest the insurance folks will try to depreciate it to $50 or less if you have a loss.



If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!