This is a beautiful example of a extremely rare and highly desirable Smith & Wesson J frame, "Baby Aircrewman" revolver, as produced specifically for the U.S. Air Force circa 1952/53. These were originally intended as self-defense/pseudo survival weapon for flight crews in the event of an emergency landing. On this contract there were approximately 605 manufactured in total, and it is estimated by noted Smith & Wesson experts and authors Jim Supica and Richard Nahas, that today only approximately 10 to 15 revolvers in total exist today. The U.S. Air Force rejected this model in the early 1960s due to failure problems with the alloy cylinders and frames and had nearly all of them demilitarized/destroyed for safety reasons. They were manufactured in the serial number range of "A.F.No.1795" to "A.F.No.2399", with this example being numbered "A.F.No.1992". Smith & Wesson also manufactured a second version of this revolver, the later M10 Aircrewman, that used a five screw "Steel K frame" with an alloy cylinder that was produced in the serial number range of "A.F. No.1190 to A.F.No.1794". This model was also later rejected by the U.S. Air Force due to the same aluminum alloy failure problem with 99% of that model also later destroyed or refitted with steel cylinders. Both examples are very rare today! As noted, the Baby Aircrewman revolvers were produced on the S&W J frame revolvers, with 2 inch barrels, and 5-shot alloy cylinders and frames that are serial numbered on all three parts, with this example having matching serial numbers on those three major components and matching assembly numbers. They were fitted with checkered walnut grips with a U.S. Air Force silver medallions inset at the top of each grip. 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 "1976" (slightly off the frame number, otherwise all matching serial numbers), with the left grip panel unmarked. 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 small "P" proofmark is stamped over the trigger guard on the left side. The yoke and crane have matching assembly number "57" as well as fitter markings "S" and "7". The matching serial number "1992" is marked on the butt, rear cylinder face and underside of barrel. The back strap is engraved "PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE." The butt of the frame is correctly marked with the Air Force serial number of "A.F.No.1992". The hammer and trigger are casehardened, and it has a black anodized finish on the frame and cylinder (due to it aluminum alloy) and a blued steel barrel. This is a true Smith & Wesson "Baby Aircrewman" survivor.

Excellent with 98% plus of its original black S&W anodized metal finish overall, edge and high spot wear, and a very light cylinder drag line. The markings are clear and sharp, and the black finish is inside the various Air Force property markings. The grips are in very fine condition with a nice dark color overall, sharp checkering on both sides, and some slightly heavier pressure dents on the lower right side most likely from being exposed in a holster. The hammer and trigger retain 98% of their case colors overall. A beautiful example of an extremely rare Air Force Baby Aircrewman revolver.