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UNUSUAL SMITH & WESSON MODEL "38" BODYGUARD

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:350.00 USD Estimated At:700.00 - 1,000.00 USD
UNUSUAL SMITH & WESSON MODEL  38  BODYGUARD

AIRWEIGHT REVOLVER. Cal. 38 S&W. S# 36J948. Bbl. 2" pinned w/ .70" serrated ramped blade sight. Mfg.1972 per 2022 factory letter stating shipped to HW Harris Co. of Chicago on April 3, 1972. 1 Of 10 shipped along w/ multiples of other models. Listed as Model 38 that was only mfg. in 38 Spl. yet has "38 S&W" marked bbl. & shorter 1.40" cyl. as used on Model 32 Terrier. Thought to be prototype due to unusual configuration or possibly assembled w/ Terrier bbl. & cyl. Original Bodyguards had 1.53" cyls. throughout production of 2 model variations. Appears likely this was factory mistake or rebarreled w/ matching cyl. Standard alloy rnd. butt J frame having case colored grooved trigger & covered hammer w/ grooved spur showing. Checkered walnut Magna grips numbered 999357. Sight blade measures .70" wide w/ references indicating sight widths of .10" & .125". As normal for time of production, bbl. & cyl. not numbered. Bottom left side of frame stamped 35960 which is also on cyl. crane. Model stamping inside yoke reads "MOD836" w/ 3 appearing to be over stamped another number; none of this marking matches any combination of known models (normal would be just 38). Late production coil hammer spring. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: factory letter & copy of original invoice. CONDITION: very good overall appearance w/ light high point wear such as edges of trigger guard & at muzzle. Slight turn line on cyl. along w/ random spots of finish loss. Near excellent bore & grips. (21-2583/NW). CURIO. $700-1,000.