A couple old Smiths that may follow me home 1920's M&P

[Master Blaster]

The other day I was in one of my local purveyors and they had taken in a consignment of a Smith and Wesson M&P nickel plated 6" barrel fixed sights and real mother of pearl grips. It had the real big head ejector rod that I was told here dates back to the 1920s or 1930's. This is a prewar model for sure as it lacked the S prefix to the serial number and the hammer block safety.

The nickel finnish is definately original, the ejector star is blued as it should be and all of the lettering is crisp, the mother of pearl grips are gorgeous and in perfect condition, they appear to be original as well since they are perfectly fitted to the gun. The nickel plate has some flaking spots but is about 95%. I did the mechanical checkout and the timing is perfect and lockup is tight. The rifling and forcing cone look new.

Did S&W ship factory mother of pearl grips on nickel guns??

The price is $225 otd. The serial number if IIRC is 255xxx, does anyone know what year that would make the gun?

I already have a post war 1946 S prefix M&P that is blued so I may add this pimp gun to my collection, when I looked at it I could imagine a bootlegger, or gangster carrying it under his zoot suit.

They also had a mid 1960's vintage model 17 no dash with diamond target grips which came from the same gentleman for $350. It may also follow mw home

 

[mossy141701]

great find Master Blaster, I also love those old Smith and can't pass one up to save my life. Lucky for me I have an understanding wife!

 

[Old Fuff]

A .38 1905 Hand Ejector (Military & Police) Model, 4th Change with a serial number in the 255,xxx range was likely made around 1916, give or take a couple of years.

Pearl stocks were a popular option offered by Smith & Wesson on both blued and nickeled guns, however to identify the genuine factory product they usually came with gold-colored S&W trademark medallions inset at the top. You can confirm if the stocks were original to the gun by obtaining a historical letter from the company.

To do so you will need a snapshot of the gun, a full description including the serial number on the butt, and a check in the amount of $30.00 made out to Smith & Wesson. In exchange the company's historian, Roy G. Jinks, will research the original records (which are not computerized by the way) and send you a letter containing the details of what he finds.

This comprehensive document will contain an overview of the model’s history, followed by the details of your particular gun. This usually includes the caliber, barrel length, finish, and the exact date it was shipped from the factory, and to what distributor or dealer. If there are any special features they will be listed too. This information is often invaluable to both you and others in the event you decide to trade or sell the gun.

Additional information on a historical letter will be found at the Smith & Wesson company website at: www.smith-wesson.com

 

[Moonclip]

Grips are probably worth a good portion of what you paid. And go buy that 17.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Good score, I have recently developed a love affair with the pre-10's.

 

[Snubster]

Drool. I would get both if I were ever lucky enough to find stuff like that around me.

Please post some pics if you decide to get them!

 

[bannockburn]

Master Blaster

Sounds like a fantastic deal. I'll second the motion for some pix.

 

[dmxx9900]

I recently picked one up on saturday best handgun I currently own and I will take it out for shooting sometime in the near future and I know it will perform like a champ.

Mine is nickel plated with 4 inch barrel and made in the early 50's only problem I have is the grips are not designed for this revolver and loading it with a speed loader is slightly impeded due to the target grips I will probably get a new pair of wooden grips that better fit the revolver on April.
Otherwise the revolver is great and is in great shape and it will be my carry gun on the road this summer and when I am on the street walking in 3 years when I get my ccw.
I will probably get another one and a Model 10 and probably a model 29 or 629 after that.