[Kentana]

A friend recently inherited a very nice, seemingly old, nickle-plated Smith, .38 spl.
He would like a little history on the gun with "guesstimated" value.
The serial number is 491942.
Thanks.

[XavierBreath]

What you have is a pre-depression era Smith & Wesson Model of 1905 4th change, also known as a Military & Police revolver, or M&P. The nickel appears to be original. The grips also appear to be original, and the entire revolver appears to be in excellent, possibly unfired condition. It has a four inch barrel, and the case colors on the hammer and trigger are pristine. I would recommend a letter from Roy Jinks (http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/01/collectors-treasure.html).

After a check by a qualified gunsmith, it would be safe to fire with modern ammunition. No +P stuff, OK?

Estimated value is difficult, especially with nickel, without a hands on examination. Assuming the revolver functions well,and is within tolerances with no broken parts, it's value should range between $200 and $450 in most parts of the country. I would accept no less than $400. If your friend has the original box, this revolver could bring close to $800. If he has the original box, and the revolver is essentially ANIB, or unfired, you are looking at $1200. These prices are from Supica's Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/2006/12/supicas-third-edition-is-out.html). Of course, the price of an old gun is always decided by the buyer, not the seller, and the price arrived at depends on who is in the room wanting to buy.

[Deanimator]

What you have appears to be a pre-depression era Smith & Wesson Model of 1905 4th change. The nickel appears to be original. The grips also appear to be original, and the entire revolver apperas to be in excellent condition.

The guy who writes the S&W factory letters often hangs out at http://www.smith-wessonforum.com. I'm sure somebody there could provide a current market price.

[Peter M. Eick]

I agree with the analysis of the gun. If you hit this site:

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/show_inventory.php?catID=5&subcatID=49

You can see that M&P's run between 300 and 600 in round numbers for a similar barrel length. Collector's is not known for being cheap, so consider this a high price range.

[SaxonPig]

"Collector's is not known for being cheap..."

That's like the captain of the Titanic saying "We found some ice."

:evil:

[Kentana]

Thanks all. The pistol barrel is pristine. No etching at cylinder/barrel juncture, no ring around firing pin and the plating is flawless.
I recommended that he keep the gun as opposed to giving it to his brother.

I mean, who gives away guns except parents to children, right?

Thanks again.

k

[Trebor]

Hey Kentena,

Stick around a bit now too, you hear? Lots of good people here.