Rare, Minty Smith & Wesson Lightweight M13 Revolver Rig - US Air Force

Description

9/30/26 - 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 - the right panel is numbered but mismatched 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). It has retained about 98% of its finish with just hints of high edge wear, some areas of very minor dulling in the finish here and there, and a few tiny surface scratches. Mint bore. Comes as a rig with a mint USAF marked black leather holster with lanyard.