Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police, Model of 1905, Fourth Change (Pre-Model 10)

Serial Number 980677 | Shipped May 25, 1942 | Factory Lettered | Original Finish | Bright Bore

This is a documented WWII U.S. government contract revolver, shipped in the final months of 1905 4th Change production immediately before the Victory Model transition.

Included documentation (original, embossed, signed):

• Factory letter from R.M. Vivas, Historian, S&W Historical Foundation, dated August 26, 2026

• Reproduction of the original factory shipping ledger page (Ref. R25/717) showing this serial number entered as “USMarComSF”

• Reproduction of the Defense Supplies Corp. shipping order, DSC 709-B, stamped SHIP’D MAY 25 1942

What the letter confirms: Shipped from the Stockbridge Street factory in Springfield, Massachusetts on May 25, 1942 and delivered to the U.S. Maritime Commission Warehouse, Rincon Building, 60 Federal Street, San Francisco, California. One of 400 identical revolvers in that shipment, factory configured with a 4-inch barrel, Parkerized finish, lanyard swivel, and round butt frame.

Configuration: .38 S&W Special, six shot, 4-inch barrel, Parkerized finish, round butt, lanyard swivel. Barrel marked SMITH & WESSON, frame marked MADE IN U.S.A. with S&W monogram. Gun matches the letter’s stated factory configuration.

Condition: Original Parkerized finish, not refinished. Roll marks and proof marks remain crisp with no evidence of buffing or reblue. Mechanically excellent, times and locks up correctly, functions properly. Has been fired and shoots accurately.

Bore is bright with sharp, well-defined rifling and no pitting observed.

Muzzle crown shows finish loss to bare steel with light frosting from decades of service and cleaning, typical of a used wartime issue revolver. Rifling remains intact at the crown with no chips, dings, or gouges. Detailed crown photos included below.

Grips are checkered walnut with S&W medallions. Originality of the grips is not confirmed and they may be replacements.

Buyer responsible for compliance with their state and local law.

$1695 obo