This is a rare and desirable example of a Smith & Wesson five-screw K-frame revolver produced on government contract for the U.S. Air Force known by collectors as the coveted Aircrewman. The revolvers were intended for use by flight crews as survival weapons in the event of an emergency. Smith & Wesson reportedly manufactured 605 K-frame Aircrewmen, and, like this example, they fall into the A.F.NO. 1190 to A.F.NO. 1794 serial number range. Knowledgeable collectors acknowledge that only 11 of the 605 are known to exist as of 2021, with four of those remaining in the inventory at Springfield Armory. (Smith & Wesson also manufactured a version based on the four-screw J-frame, which fall into the serial number range A.F. NO. 1795 to A.F. NO.2399.) The Aircrewman model was subsequently modified at the request of the United States Army to remove the fifth screw and recoil bushing. The revolver has a 2 inch barrel numbered to the gun on the underside, 6-shot alloy cylinder numbered to the gun on the rear face and under the ejector , alloy K-frame with Five 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 right grip is numbered to the gun. 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 ("257").The smooth back strap is marked "PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE." The hammer and trigger are casehardened. The "A.F.No.1290" serial number is marked on the butt. Provenance: Max Hayward Collection

Excellent plus, retaining 98% plus original blue and black anodized finishes with limited handling marks, a faint cylinder drag line, and some holster type muzzle wear. Grips are also excellent with some handling marks, dings and scratches, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Impossible to improve upon!