This is a rare and desirable example of an excellent Smith & Wesson four screw J frame revolver produced on government contract for the U.S. Air Force known by collectors as the coveted Baby Aircrewman. The revolvers were intended for use by flight crews as survival weapons in the event of an emergency. Smith & Wesson reportedly manufactured 605 Aircrewmans based on the J frame, and, like this example, they fall into the A.F.NO. 1795 to A.F.NO. 2399 serial number range. (Smith & Wesson also manufactured a version based on the five screw K frame, which fall into the serial number range A.F. NO. 1190 to A.F.NO.1794. Again, 605 were manufactured.) The model was rejected in 1960 because of problems with the alloy cylinder and most were destroyed by the government with very few examples remaining. Smith & Wesson experts and authors Jim Supica and Richard Nahas estimated that 10 to 15 revolvers survived. The revolver has a 2 inch barrel numbered to the gun on the underside, 5-shot alloy cylinder numbered to the gun on the rear face and marked "8" under the ejector, alloy J frame with four screws and checkered grips with U.S. Air Force medallions at the top. These Air Force medallions are only found on the A.F.NO. numbered guns. The back of the right grip panel has the stamped number "1977" (off by 6 digits to an otherwise all matching 1983 serialized weapon) and the left grip panel is unmarked. The frame is marked with the number "6" under the right grip. The barrel is marked "SMITH & WESSON" on the left side and "AIRCREWMAN/38 SPECIAL CTG." on the right side. The frame is marked with the four line Smith & Wesson marking on the right side and the S&W logo is on the left side. A "P" proofmark is stamped over the trigger guard on the left side. The inside of the frame and crane have matching assembly numbers ("181").The smooth back strap is marked "PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE." The hammer and trigger are casehardened. The "A.F. No. 1983" serial number is marked on the butt. This is a true Smith & Wesson "Baby Aircrewman" four screw J frame survivor. The holster has "USAF" on the flap. The holster also has the tie down strap. The 50 cartridges of caliber .38 M41 in an Olin Corporation box are also included with the revolver.

Excellent. The revolver retains 97% plus original combination blue/anodized finish showing some holster type wear on the barrel and surface rust on the crane. The cylinder has a light drag line. The hammer and trigger retain 85% plus original case colors with some surface rust. The grips are also excellent with a couple minor handling marks. The checkering is crisp. Mechanically excellent. The holster is very good with flex wear overall. The stitching is tight. A highly prized military "Baby Aircrewman" revolver that would greatly enhance even the most advanced Smith & Wesson or U.S. Military collection!