RARE ALUMINUM CYLINDER, PRE-MODEL 12 AIRWEIGHT .38 SPEC., FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION 1953,

Description:
VERY RARE ALUMINUM CYLINDER, FIRST YEAR PRE-MODEL 12 AIRWEIGHT .38 SPECIAL,  MADE 1953, #C237XXX. These 14 3/8 oz. Guns were bought up by the U.S. Air Force as the special M-13 with government markings. Most of these were destroyed for being unsafe with anything but standard velocity ammo. Few were sold on the civilian market, which is what this one is. Introduced in 1953 with aluminum cylinders, this model was quickly changed in 1954 to incorporate steel cylinders that were safe with all .38 Special ammo. Early aluminum cylinder models fall within the serial range of C190000 – C31000. This example comes with a S&W factory letter giving lots of details about the model, but ends with “Unfortunately, we do not have any production figures available on the Model 12.” The letter further states, “Today, revolvers equipped with aluminum cylinders are desirable collectors’ items but should not be fired with any high velocities of ammunition which you are not certain of the pressure they generate.” This example is in remarkable condition retaining about all the blue and “black” on the cylinder, matching numbers (no numbers inside the grips, but they appear to be the correct ones in exc. condition that fit well etc.). Exc. case color on the hammer and trigger. As they were only made for one year, unaltered examples are hard to find in any condition and this one is exceptional. 

Handgun Caliber: .38 Special
Manufacturer: SMITH & WESSON
Model: PRE-12 ALUMINUM
Serial Number: C237XXX
Barrel Length: 2
Condition: EXCELLENT
Bore Condition: EXCELLENT

Price: $1,295.00