Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change, Pre‑Victory British Service, .38 S&W, 6 in Barrel, Blued
This WWII‑era Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change is a British/Commonwealth service revolver in .38 S&W (.38/200). The serial number indicates 1940–1941 production, prior to the adoption of the "V" prefix. It carries Birmingham Nitro Proof marks, confirming post‑service testing at the Birmingham Proof House, and features a 6‑inch tapered barrel, round butt, and factory blue finish.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Visible markings from prior handling and use. Please refer to the photos for detailed views of markings and proof stamps.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change revolver
Produced for Allied forces before the "Victory" prefix era, this K‑frame revolver represents an early "Pre‑Victory" configuration chambered in .38 S&W, commonly known as .38/200 in British service. The dating to approximately 1940–1941 places it squarely in the early WWII production window for British contracts.
British proof and inspection marks include the Crown over BNP, ".38 .767," and "3 1/2 TONS PER [square]," confirming Birmingham Proof House testing applied after service. These markings align with its Commonwealth service history and clearly document its path through the U.K. proof system.
The configuration is classic service issue: 6‑inch tapered barrel, six‑shot fluted cylinder, fixed sights with a half‑moon front blade and topstrap notch rear, and an unshrouded ejector rod with a knurled knob. A lanyard ring on the butt reflects its military role, and the round‑butt K‑frame offers a familiar in‑hand profile.
Factory blue finish over carbon steel is paired with a color‑casehardened hammer and trigger. The exposed hammer has a checkered spur, and the trigger is smooth. Checkered walnut service stocks feature S&W medallions and the diamond around the screw, completing the correct period look and feel.