The Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Hand Ejector is a K-frame, six-round, double action revolver that served as a primary sidearm for British and Commonwealth forces during World War II. Beginning in 1940, Smith & Wesson produced large quantities of .38 M&P revolvers for British and Commonwealth military contracts under Lend-Lease and direct purchase agreements. These revolvers were serialized in the standard commercial M&P range and predate the formal Victory Model designation and V-prefix serial range adopted in April 1942. Australian military revolvers were maintained through a system of Factory Thorough Repair (FTR), performed at government arsenals. During FTR, revolvers were fully disassembled, inspected, repaired or fitted with replacement parts as needed, refinished, proof tested, and returned to service inventory.

This example was likely manufactured in 1941 and features its original 5 inch barrel with a rounded front sight blade and fixed rear notch sight integral to the top strap. Serial numbers are matching on the frame butt, cylinder, and barrel. The right side of the frame bears an "FTR \ MA55" marking, indicating Factory Thorough Repair was performed at the Lithgow Australian arsenal in 1955. It features a dark gray phosphate-like finish, likely applied during the aforementioned 1955 FTR. The revolver also appears to have been rechambered from .38 S&W to .38 Special, as evidenced by the "Cal 38 SPECIAL" marking added to the left side of the frame -- although it also retains its original barrel marking of "38 S&W CTG". Australian Forces "A^F" property markings incorporating the broad arrow are present on both sides of the frame, with the left side stamp appearing inverted below the cylinder release. The right side of the frame is marked "MADE IN U.S.A." with the S&W trademark logo. A "p" proof stamp is present on the butt ahead of the lanyard ring. No original box or accessories included.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
• Model: .38 Military & Police Hand Ejector (Pre-Victory)
• Date of Manufacture: 1941
• Caliber: .38 Special (likely rechambered from .38 S&W)
• Action: Double action/single action
• Frame Size: K-frame, carbon steel
• Barrel: 5 inches
• Finish: Phosphate-like finish
• Sights: Rounded blade front, fixed rear notch
• Cylinder: 6-round, matching serial
• FTR: 1955 Lithgow

Note: This revolver was originally chambered in .38 S&W and appears to have been likely rechambered to .38 Special. We have not test fired this gun and recommend a qualified gunsmith inspect the chamber and headspacing before firing.