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Smith & Wesson M13 Air Force .38 Spl Revolver RARE

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:850.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Smith & Wesson M13 Air Force .38 Spl Revolver RARE
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Offered for sale is a RARE Smith & Wesson U.S. Air Force M13 .38 Special Revolver. This extremely rare U.S. Air Force issued handgun was made to be extra lightweight and was factory fitted with an aluminum cylinder. It was intended for mid-range, moderate pressure .38 Special ammo only and was eventually deemed unsafe. Therefore, after being issued, the entire contract was recalled by the government and destroyed by a combination of “torching” or melting and crushing before final discarding. A very few examples escaped this destruction and bring astronomical prices on the collector market today. A few crushed/torched examples also survived- probably taken as souvenirs by those ordered to oversee the elimination of these weapons. Of those that were salvaged, many or most were flattened almost beyond recognition and are usually missing cylinders or other major parts. This fine example of a semi-torched Aircrewman has all matching serial numbers (#C298512) on the frame, cylinder, barrel and inside the original diamond checkered grips. The back strap correctly marked “PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE.”The top strap on the left side also correctly marked “REVOLVER, LIGHTWEIGHT, M-13.” The frame retains the S&W logo as well as the usual patent dates and the barrel retains the Smith & Wesson marking. The bottom of the grips stamped “49” and there is a matching “49” in light paint on the right grip panel- this was probably an issue or rack number. This is a 4-screw model with correct flat latch that was made in 1954 and aside from the single line of torching, retains almost all of the original deep blue finish. The right side of the barrel and forward part of the frame “torched” as is one side of the cylinder over one chamber. Amazingly, this revolver still functions perfectly. It is very possible it was torched just enough to get past inspection and was then “rescued” from final disposal. An extremely important martial arm that is almost always missing from even the most complete collections, this is a chance to own an example that was issued and used by our fighter pilots in the Cold War years of the 1950s and finally recalled and destroyed by our government.