Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38/200 British Service Revolver, Model K200
Serial Number: 942971
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1944
Caliber: .38 S&W, designated .38/200 by the British
Action Type: 6-Shot Double / Single Action, Swing-Out Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Barrel Length: 5", Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade integral to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch integral to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth walnut. The inside of the right panel has "942971", there are scattered deep scratches on the interior. The exterior of the grips show minor handling wear with only a few light marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Sandblast Blue
Finish Originality: Original, numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion but there is a little stubborn fouling including spots of lead in front of the forcing cone. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a canvas belt with 1942 dated Textan leather flap holster, canvas pouch with Bauer and Black First Aid Packet Carlisle Model in unsealed tin, and canvas three-tier ammo pouch.
Our Assessment: As was the case in the previous Great War, the outset of WWII found many nations starved for small arms, procuring just about anything they could get their hands on to arm their troops. Prior to the United State's entry to WWII, there were various methods of supplying the Allies with defense products while maintaining neutrality, the final being the Lend-Lease Act which permitted the sale, lending and leasing of defense equipment to Allied nations by the U.S. government.
This Smith & Wesson .38/200 British Service Revolver has US Property, flaming bomb, and W.B. inspector markings which indicate that it is one that was sold to the British government under the Lend-Lease Act. This Lend-Lease example is in Fine condition with 96% of its sandblast blue finish remaining. The bore is in good shape and its mechanics are strong. Perhaps most interesting, despite the US Property marking and being chambered for the British service cartridge, it does not have any British markings. Typically, these revolvers would receiver commercial British proof marks when sold out of service, to their lack may indicate the revolver made it back to America without going through typical commercial channels, possibly even coming home from the war with an American serviceman. In any case, it will display well with the included belt and holster rig and make a nice addition to a S&W or WWII sidearm collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
