Scarce Smith & Wesson M&P Pre-Model 10 Revolver 38 Spl 1948 "C" Series

Serial #C1436, .38 Special, 6 inch barrel with a bright, excellent bore.  This is the Military & Police 38 Hand Ejector pre-Model 10 revolver manufactured by Smith & Wesson in 1948, the first year of the “C” serial number series.  This is a scarce example in the "C" series having only the one line "Made in the U.S.A." marking which was changed in the spring of 1948 to the 3 line address.  In excellent condition the barrel, frame and cylinder retain 96-97% of the original blue finish with some wear at the muzzle and leading high edges with very fine scratches on the left side of the barrel and a fine drag line on the cylinder with scattered tiny use marks.  The service trigger and hammer show vibrant case-hardened colors.  The diamond checkered walnut Magna grips with S&W medallion are numbered to different gun with the right grip panel about near excellent showing light wear and a few handling marks, while the left panel rates fair to good displaying light to moderate handling marks, a chip missing on edge border by the butt, and a crack on the front strap where it meets the frame.  It locks up tight and times correctly.  An excellent example of the post WWII M&P revolvers.  FFL or C&R