This is a rare and desirable example of a 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 J-frame Aircrewmen, 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.) The Baby Aircrewman model was subsequently rejected because of problems with the alloy cylinder and most were destroyed by the government with very few examples surviving. Smith & Wesson experts and authors of "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson", Jim Supica and Richard Nahas, estimate 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 "6" under the ejector which is also numbered to match, alloy J-frame with four screws and checkered grips with U.S. Air Force medallions. These Air Force medallions are only found on the A.F. NO. numbered guns. The inside of the correct style replacement right grip is numbered "2202". 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 ("738").The smooth back strap is marked "PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE." The hammer and trigger are casehardened. The "A.F.No.2364" serial number is marked on the butt. The included copy of the factory letter states that the revolver was shipped on 27 October 1952 to the United States Air Force Transportations Officer in Pensacola, Florida as well as confirming the current configuration.

Very fine, retains 85% plus of the original black anodized finish and 70% plus of the original blue finish with the balance mostly a smooth grey-brown patina, primarily on the barrel and front of the crane, and some light edge wear on the remainder. The replacement grips are also very fine with a few scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.