Rare Smith & Wesson Lightweight M13 Revolver Rig - US Air Force w/ Factory Letter

Description

5/12/25 - Manufactured in late 1953 or very early 1954, this revolver was produced on government contract for the U.S. Air Force, who designated it the Model 13 Aircrewman and requested the revolvers be stamped "M13". They were intended for use by strategic bomber crews for use as survival weapons. Weight conscious, they were originally produced with a lightweight alloy frame and cylinder with a steel barrel. The model was eventually rejected because of problems with the alloy cylinder with most destroyed by the government or S&W, making surviving examples rare and highly desirable among collectors. The top strap is marked "REVOLVER, LIGHTWEIGHT, M13". Back strap marked "PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE". The left side of the frame has a "P" proof mark. Serial number is on the butt of the frame. The six-shot alloy cylinder, barrel, and extractor are numbered to the gun. The checkered grips have S&W medallions, with the right panel numbered to the gun. This revolver falls within the accepted Aircrewman serial range of C247000-C405363 ("The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" by Supica and Nahas, pg. 147). The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as shipment to Norton Air Base in San Bernardino, California on 18 January 1954. The gun has retained nearly all of its finish. Mint bore. Comes with a USAF marked holster.