Looking for info on my 38

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Frozenocean

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Hello,

I was trying to find out so more information about my Grandfathers 38 special service revolver I inherited quite some time ago.
All I know about the gun is that it was my Grandfathers service revolver up until he retired and that the bottom is stamped with BCP #1 and I was told by my father that it was the first 38 ever issued to the BCPP or something of that nature.

Here are a few pics

http://img651.imageshack.us/g/img1360c.jpg/

Thanks for your time.
 
They had S&W model 38/44 heavy duty revolver in 38 special calibre before they got taken over by the RCMP, these were designed before 193o until 1957 period, then was given a number designation ,the model 20. Barrel lengths offerred were 4",5" and 6.5". Your gun looks to be a S&W 38/44 pre war gun with a 4" barrel, if you give the serial# thats on the but I can tell you exactly when it was built. the post war guns are serial # RANGE FROM S62489 to S74000, hope this helps. Better detailed picture would be appreciated s these guns are the fore runner to the S&W model 27 357 magum, cheers Dale
 
The serial # is ##### Ill get some better pics together tonight when i get home from work.

Thanks


Edit: I removed the serial # as to Butus' advice.
 
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These 5 inch barrelled revolvers were standard issue for the BCPP until disbanded and absorbed into the RCMP in 1950. Rack number #1, wow! This revolver, a Pre-War S&W Heavy Duty in 38 special was indeed the precursor to the 357 Magnum. This revolver as of 1957, became the S&W Model 20 officially, until ceased production in 1966. The workmanship they put into these sixguns back then is amazing.
Yours was made in 1940 or '41 according to the S&W catalogue. But, IIRC these relatively few BCPP were shipped to BC in the year 1940, so this narrows it down even better. (200 handguns in total, I think)
That's a nice piece Frozenocean. The grips are amazingly intact. Be gentle with this handgun when you clean it. I have one just like it, with a later rack number of course.
For various reasons, most CGN memebers would choose not to publically display the serial number. Or at least keep it to PMs only.

Cheers..............
 
Frozenocean said:
Hello,

I was trying to find out so more information about my Grandfathers 38 special service revolver I inherited quite some time ago.
All I know about the gun is that it was my Grandfathers service revolver up until he retired and that the bottom is stamped with BCP #1 and I was told by my father that it was the first 38 ever issued to the BCPP or something of that nature.

Here are a few pics

http://img651.imageshack.us/g/img1360c.jpg/

Thanks for your time.
Click to expand...

Most were absorbed into the RCMP system when the BCPP were absorbed, but they were offered to the officers for purchase.

According to my S&W collector buddy, the SPP also bought .38/44 "heavy duties"...
 
The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson advises that there is more information on the (1940) British Columbia Police .38/44 Heavy Duty to be found in the SWCA Journal, 25th Anniversary reprint, Book 2, pg. 468.
 
wow that narrowed it down quite a bit. Something I just realized is my grandfather couldnt have been the first owner, As he was born in 1929.
I wish I knew a little more on the history behind it.
Here are a few higher resolution pictures.

http://img256.imageshack.us/g/dscn1102wx.jpg/

What do you guys think this gun is worth?
 
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If one ever wants a museum to purchase something from them, good luck with that!
Often if it is something they are truly interested in, they will ask you to donate, and you will receive in kind, a tax credit for your personal income tax, for that calendar year.

If I were Frozenocean, I would clean up this wondeful revolver, get a gun club membership and enjoy this very nice piece of family history.
The way the laws are currently written, ex-police guns in the hands of citizens are quickly becoming a rare event. (generally)
Except for these fabulous +60 year old works of art.
Shooting target wadcutters out of this 40 ounce chunk of steel, will put a smile on anyone's face.

Enjoy it while you can.........
 
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