Field Notes
Smith & Wesson Pre-Model Revolvers Explained
Collectors often describe older Smith & Wesson revolvers as “pre-model” guns. The term is useful, but it can also be confusing. A pre-model revolver is usually a named or descriptive model made before Smith & Wesson began using stamped model numbers.
What Does “Pre-Model” Mean?
In collector language, “pre-model” generally refers to a Smith & Wesson revolver made before the company began assigning and stamping numerical model designations around 1957.
Before that transition, many revolvers were known by names, chamberings, frame sizes, or catalog descriptions. Examples include the Military & Police, K-22 Masterpiece, K-38 Masterpiece, .357 Magnum, Highway Patrolman, Chiefs Special, Bodyguard, Centennial, and Combat Masterpiece.
After model numbers were adopted, those same basic product lines became better known by numerical designations such as Model 10, Model 14, Model 15, Model 17, Model 18, Model 27, Model 28, Model 36, Model 37, Model 38, Model 40, Model 42, Model 49, and Model 50.
Why Model Numbers Matter
Model numbers make later Smith & Wesson revolvers easier to identify. A stamped model number can quickly tell a collector the basic model family, while engineering-change suffixes such as “-1,” “-2,” or “-3” can point to later design changes.
Pre-model revolvers require more careful identification because the serial number alone usually cannot prove the exact model. A collector should also compare the firearm’s caliber, barrel markings, barrel length, sights, frame size, finish, stocks, and other physical features.
Where to Look for the Model Number
On many later Smith & Wesson revolvers, the model number is found inside the yoke cut. Open the cylinder and look at the frame area exposed by the yoke. A later revolver may be marked with something like MOD. 10, MOD. 15, or MOD. 36.
A pre-model revolver usually will not have that model-number stamp. Instead, identification depends on the serial number range and the gun’s physical characteristics.
Common Pre-Model Examples
The table below lists common collector terms and the later model numbers often associated with those guns.
| Collector Term | Later Model Number | General Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Model 10 | Model 10 | .38 Military & Police fixed-sight K-frame revolver |
| Pre-Model 11 | Model 11 | .38/200 Military & Police style revolver |
| Pre-Model 12 | Model 12 | Airweight Military & Police K-frame revolver |
| Pre-Model 14 | Model 14 | K-38 Target Masterpiece |
| Pre-Model 15 | Model 15 | K-38 Combat Masterpiece |
| Pre-Model 16 | Model 16 | K-32 Masterpiece |
| Pre-Model 17 | Model 17 | K-22 Masterpiece |
| Pre-Model 18 | Model 18 | K-22 Combat Masterpiece |
| Pre-Model 19 | Model 19 | .357 Combat Magnum |
| Pre-Model 27 | Model 27 | .357 Magnum N-frame revolver |
| Pre-Model 28 | Model 28 | Highway Patrolman .357 Magnum N-frame revolver |
| Pre-Model 36 | Model 36 | Chiefs Special J-frame revolver |
| Pre-Model 37 | Model 37 | Airweight Chiefs Special |
| Pre-Model 38 | Model 38 | Bodyguard Airweight |
| Pre-Model 40 | Model 40 | Centennial steel-frame revolver |
| Pre-Model 42 | Model 42 | Centennial Airweight revolver |
| Pre-Model 49 | Model 49 | Bodyguard steel-frame revolver |
| Pre-Model 50 | Model 50 | Chiefs Special Target revolver |
Serial Numbers and Pre-Model Identification
A serial number can help estimate a production period, but it usually cannot identify the exact model by itself. Several Smith & Wesson revolvers shared serial-number sequences, especially within the same frame family.
For example, a K-prefix serial number may fall within the correct period for a postwar K-22, but the same broad K-prefix serial sequence was also used for other K-frame target and adjustable-sight revolvers. The serial range gives context. The physical revolver provides the rest of the evidence.
Start with the Serial Number Lookup, then compare the firearm’s features against known examples and published references.
Features to Check
When researching a pre-model Smith & Wesson, collect more information than just the serial number.
- Serial number and prefix, if present
- Frame size
- Caliber marking on the barrel
- Barrel length
- Fixed sights or adjustable sights
- Round butt or square butt
- Finish, such as blue or nickel
- Type of stocks or grips
- Sideplate screw count
- Extractor rod and thumbpiece style
- Any special markings, proofs, agency marks, or factory stamps
Pre-Model Does Not Automatically Mean Rare
The term “pre-model” sounds special, but it does not automatically make a revolver rare or valuable. Some pre-model Smith & Wesson revolvers are very common, while others are scarce or highly desirable.
Value depends on condition, originality, configuration, barrel length, finish, stocks, box and tools, historical association, and documented factory information.
When to Order a Factory Letter
A factory letter can be especially useful for pre-model revolvers because many of them do not have a stamped model number. When surviving records are available, a factory letter may document the original shipping date, destination, barrel length, finish, stocks, and configuration.
A letter is most worthwhile when the revolver has an uncommon barrel length, unusual finish, possible historical connection, special-order features, or a configuration that does not match standard expectations.
Learn more on the Factory Letters page.
Research Notice
Seeing the Elephant provides independent collector research and estimated serial-number context. It is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson and does not replace official factory records. Serial-number results should not be used as proof of model, originality, condition, value, or exact shipment date.