Manufactured in 1953. This revolver was produced on government contract for the U.S. Air Force, who designated it the Model 13 Aircrewmen and requested the revolvers be stamped "M13". They were intended for use by strategic bomber crews for use as survival weapons. Weight conscience, they were originally produced with a lightweight alloy frame and cylinder with a steel barrel. The model was rejected because of problems with the alloy cylinder with most destroyed by the government or S&W, making surviving examples rare and highly desirable. The top strap is marked "REVOLVER, LIGHTWEIGHT, M13". Back strap marked "PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE". The left side of the frame has a "P" proof mark. Serial number "C259829" is on the butt of the frame. The barrel is un-numbered. The six-shot alloy cylinder, extractor and right grip panel are numbered to different guns. The checkered grips have S&W medallions, the left panel has a large "21" stamped towards the butt, and the right is numbered "259338" on the interior. This revolver falls within the accepted Aircrewman serial range of C247000-C405363 ("The Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson" by Supica and Nahas, pg. 147).

Very fine, retaining 90% plus original combination blue/anodized finish with minor handling marks, some scattered edge wear and cylinder drag line. 50% of the original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The replacement grips are also very fine with some scattered minor handling marks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent.