Wondering if there are any knowledgeable fellow gunnutz out there who can shed more light on this revolver. It is a Smith and Wesson .38 Special, 5 inch tapered barrel, registered as a Model 10. I acquired this in the late 90s and was told at the time by the seller that it was a former RCMP service revolver. It is a great shooter and in great condition but I am considering selling it in the near future so would like to get a better understanding of its lineage.
The serial number is listed in three locations on the barrel, cylinder and butt as 6815xx all matching, however the left side of the frame under cylinder hinge shows a stamped five digit serial number 15849 which I believe was assigned by the force. There is no S&W model number anywhere on the revolver. There is no MP frame stamp underneath the left grips and no lanyard swivel which some of the earlier RCMP model 10s had. Also, it has adjustable front and rear sights on it, which could have been added later. The barrel shows Made in USA on right side, however there are also Birmingham Nitro Proof (BNP) proof marks on it as well as the crossed sceptor/sword Birmingham proof house K-B-2 mark between the cylinder and trigger on the left side of the frame.
From online research I understand that in the late 60's/ early 70's the RCMP started swapping out their long action revolvers for short action versions. Members were allowed to purchase the turned-in revolver by writing a cheque to Crown Assets Disposal (reportedly $21.60 in 1971) and have it federally registered as a restricted private handgun, which is how some of these fell into private hands. When the .38 Special was later replaced by the S&W 5946, those .38 Specials were ordered destroyed rather than sold off.
I know there are a lot of knowledgeable S&W collectors here as well as many active and former RCMP members so any additional insights would be welcome, thanks! (If you own a former RCMP S&W .38 Special service revolver, also feel free to post pics.)
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The serial number is listed in three locations on the barrel, cylinder and butt as 6815xx all matching, however the left side of the frame under cylinder hinge shows a stamped five digit serial number 15849 which I believe was assigned by the force. There is no S&W model number anywhere on the revolver. There is no MP frame stamp underneath the left grips and no lanyard swivel which some of the earlier RCMP model 10s had. Also, it has adjustable front and rear sights on it, which could have been added later. The barrel shows Made in USA on right side, however there are also Birmingham Nitro Proof (BNP) proof marks on it as well as the crossed sceptor/sword Birmingham proof house K-B-2 mark between the cylinder and trigger on the left side of the frame.
From online research I understand that in the late 60's/ early 70's the RCMP started swapping out their long action revolvers for short action versions. Members were allowed to purchase the turned-in revolver by writing a cheque to Crown Assets Disposal (reportedly $21.60 in 1971) and have it federally registered as a restricted private handgun, which is how some of these fell into private hands. When the .38 Special was later replaced by the S&W 5946, those .38 Specials were ordered destroyed rather than sold off.
I know there are a lot of knowledgeable S&W collectors here as well as many active and former RCMP members so any additional insights would be welcome, thanks! (If you own a former RCMP S&W .38 Special service revolver, also feel free to post pics.)
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