S&W M&P revolver age help wanted !

[Jokka]

Can anyone help me with approx. age on this gun:

Number 8xxxxx P on grip and on cylinder , when you swing out the cylinder there's number 4xxxx on both sides on the swing arm and frame.

On barrel:

<38 S&W CTG > (right)
Smith & Wesson (left)

Top of barrel:
Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA
Patented feb 6 06 sept 14 09 dec 29 14

It has checkered grips and lanyard ring

All help appreciated

[jacobtowne]

Jokka:

The 5-digit number on the yoke (the swing out arm) and yoke cutout in the frame is a factory assembly number.

The 6-digit number is the serial number, which should also appear on the butt , the underside of the barrel, and the back side of the extractor star.

The lanyard ring, SN, and chambering suggest an early "Pre-Victory Model" Lend-Lease arm possibly shipped to Britain.

Given the SN, blued finish and checkered medallion grips, best guess at age is 1941.

The model appears to be the .38 Hand Ejector Military & Police.

That said, the 'P' is puzzling, as it is listed in my book as a military proof stamp located on the butt until 1943, and on the cylinder and other locations afterward.

JT

[Jokka]

My mistake, P only on butt, not on cylinder.

Thanks for help