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Title:	REVOLVER -  COLT REVOLVER AIRCREWMAN .38 SN# 3949LW
Maker/Manufacturer:	COLT
Date of Manufacture:	1951
Eminent Figure:
Catalog Number:	SPAR 2221
Measurements:	OL: 17.1CM 6 3/4" BL: 5CM 2"

Object Description:

COLT REVOLVER AIRCREWMAN .38 SN# 3949LW
Manufactured by Colt, Hartford, Ct. in 1951. - Colt Aircrewman with lightweight alloy frame, checkered walnut grips, slightly rounded butt, blue finish, 6-shot, single or double action. Made for U.S. Air Force during Korean War. Approximately 1,189 manufactured in 1951.

Markings:
Barrel: AIRCREWMAN/.38 SPECIAL CTG. (Right): COLT'S MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT., U.S.A.
Frame: Rampant Colt.
Yoke: 3949-LW.
Back strap: PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE.
Butt: A.F. NO. 1188.
Grips: AF Medallion.

Weapon transferred to the Museum on 10 February 1959. At that time weapon was appraised at $37.00.

Notes: "The Colt revolvers were specially marked with a serial number range of 'A.F. NO. 1' to 'A.F. NO. 1189'. This was to be Colt's first and only production lot purchased by the War Dept." - Richard Nahas & Charles Pate

"The Air Force contracted both Colt and S&W for quantities of super-light snubnose revolvers, primarily for pilot and navigator survival use. Of the 11-ounce Aircrewman some 1,189 were made, but on government testing certain .38 Special loads were determined too potent for the alloy cylinders. All specimens were then ordered back to the factory, and nearly the entire production was destroyed. The handful which survived represent a rare breed of Colt. Most Aircrewman pistols fall within the serial range of about 2901LW to 7775LW. The model name and caliber appear on the barrel (left side); the backstrap was rolled PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE, and on the butt, A.F. No. (marked 1 through 1189). Inlaid on the custom grips were silver Air Force buttons." - Wilson

"As a supply officer in the USAF (now retired), I issued many of the M-13 revolvers to crew members both here in the U.S. and in Alaska where some of the earliest shipments were directed. During my service I probably handled well over 200. I was still in that capacity when they were recalled and disposed of. I enclose a copy of some correspondence form Air Material Command concerning the recall of these items dated 23 October 1959 (see below).
When I turned them in after collecting them from flight personnel the internal parts were cannibalized, including grips, barrels, etc. The frames were cut down the middle, including the cylinders, or crushed in a press and disposed of in 'Surplus sales of scrap aluminum.' A sad ending but typical of our good government.
When they were issued, accountability was in most cases dropped on a shipping ticked and entered on that individuals 'flight equipment record' which moved from base to base as the person moved. Yet some Personnel Equipment Officers issued them on a lost of personnel retired with their gun, holster and all. That is why there are still some of them out there. My Colt is Butt No. 35.
You mentioned AF No. 1189, the last Colt number. It came from a retired colonel and was sold at auction not too long ago for $8,250.
The special .38 ammo, known as the M41, was never withdrawn so it is still around on occasion, although 20 or more years down the road it is also getting scarce. It came in a white box." - Lewis E. Yearout

"HEADQUARTERS
AIR MATERIEL COMMAND
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO
AMC REDISTRIBUTING AND MARKETING 23 October 1959
LETTER NO. 50-65
To: Major Air Commands, CONUS and OS
Air Materiel Forces
AMAs, CONUS and OS
AFDs
AFBs, CONUS and OS
NOTE: This letter applies to all USAF Redistribution and Marketing (DIsposal) activities worldwide.
1. This letter supersedes R&M Letter 59-60. Subject: Disposition of Defense Excess CAL. .38 Special Lightweight Revolver M13 - Colt and Smith & Wesson, dated 21 September 1959.
2. The Cal. .38 special lightweight revolver M13, carried under the following stock numbers: 1005-049-4801; 1005-04004802; 1005-317-2465; 1005-317-2466; 1005-726-6075; and 1005-726-6174, is equipped with a 6-shot aluminum cylinder. The M13 revolver was designed primarily as an aircrewman emergency or survival weapon, using M41 cartridges Cal. .38 130 grain metal jacketed lead bullet, specification SP1961. The M133. Because of the peculiarities of the M13 revolver, i.e., requirement for special ammunition, limited use and potential danger if used for other than the purpose for which it was designed, all M13 revolvers excess to Air Force requirements will be mutilated to prevent further use as a weapon. Residue will be disposed of as scrap as provided for in applicable sections of Volume XIII, AFM 67-1.
4. Reporting of this revolver to AFSSC for screening with other Military Departments and Federal Agencies is waived pursuant to Hq USAF (AFMSS-CG) letter dated 14 October 1959.
FOR THE COMMANDER:
s/C.E. Brown
Deputy Chief, Redistribution and Marketing Division
Directorate of Supply

DISTRIBUTION:
All Addresses"

See, "THE COLT AIRCREWMAN REVOLVER" by Edward Scott Meadows. The Gun Report, August, 1998.

References:
Schwing, Ned. 2000 STANDARD CATALOG OF FIREARMS. Krause Publications. Iola, Wi. 2000.Wilson, R.L. COLT: AN AMERICAN LEGEND. Sid Latham. N.Y., N.Y. 1985.