Manufactured in 1953, this a pre-Model 12 Airweight revolver, produced on government contract for the U.S. Air Force, who designated it the Model 13 Aircrewmen and requested the revolvers be stamped "M13". The revolvers were intended for use by flight crews as survival weapons. The model was rejected in the 50s because of problems with the alloy cylinder and most were destroyed by the government. The top strap is marked "REVOLVER, LIGHT WEIGHT, M13," and the back strap is marked "PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE". Matching serial numbers on the butt, alloy cylinder, barrel and right grip panel. The checkered grips have S&W medallions, and "235" is stamped on the left panel.

Extremely fine. The revolver retains 90% plus original blue finish showing some loss at the muzzle and some minor edge wear. Nearly 97% of the original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The grips are very fine with a few minor handling marks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent.