Help on S&W Revolver

[Tornado6]

Hello all! I'm new to the site and have a question for you S&W folks: I've got a very old S&W .38 special. It has no model number stamped on it. It has the S&W logo on the right side of the frame. The serial number on the bottom of the grip is E 8520. 4" barrel. There are six patent dates on the top of the barrel. Oldest is 4 May 1881 and the newest is 23 May 1901.

Any help in identifying the model and approx age would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[speedway]

Pictures would make all of the difference.....

 

[W.E.G.]

Not sure about the "E" prefix on the serial number.

Otherwise, almost surely a .38 Military & Police First Model (also referred to as .38 Hand Ejectors)

20,975 mfg. 1899-1902. Serial number range 1-20,975.

Please post pics!

 

[Tornado6]

Help on 38 S&W

Hope these help.

 

[Old Fuff]

The serial number on the butt is not one Smith & Wesson put there. It appears that the original serial number was filed or ground off, and a different one hand-stamped to replace it. Also at some time the revolver has been reblued.

Smith & Wesson stamped the serial number in five places:

1. On the bottom of the butt (that has been removed).
2. On the rear face of the cylinder.
3. On the bottom of the barrel, above the ejector rod.
4. On the insides of the stocks (which on this gun have been replaced).
5. On the inside of the side plate (mostly, but not always).

Check numbers 2 & 3, and maybe 5 and see what you find.

 

[Old Fuff]

Delete - double post.

 

[GCBurner]

Maybe it's the buffing, but what I can see of the Trade Mark doesn't look exactly like the S&W mark on my current guns, though I suppose the design has gone through changes over the years. Also, all of my old guns have "Smith & Wesson" marked on the left side of the barrel, and the cartridge size marked on the right, or "S&W D.A. .45" on the left side of my Model 1917. This one is blank on the right with the cartridge size on the left? The First Model M&P didn't have the ejector rod lock, or the barrel cutout for the ejector rod, either.

That started with the Model 1905, like this one: http://www.gunsamerica.com/93917995...ON_38_HAND_EJECTOR_M_P_1905_38SPL_5_INCH.htm#

 

[waidmann]

No "Made in the U.S.A." on right means pre-1920. No jacketed bullets, no +P either. Looks like old Rogers plastic grips, maybe. Ditto comments on re-number. Caliber should be marked on barrel???????? Logo okay.

 

[Jim K]

Based on what I see and the above comments, I don't think it is an S&W at all; it may be a cheap "no-name" Spanish copy.

Until you are sure, I strongly recommend against firing it with any ammunition. Many of those Spanish guns imported in the 1920's and 1930's were made from cast iron, not steel, and quite a few have blow up with standard loads.

Jim

 

[waidmann]

Apologies to jim

:banghead:After reading Jim's post I ran the magnification up to 400%, then dug down into the bottom of my safe for my great-grandfather's old revolver.

The logo and serial number are consistent with his 1922 model Hermanos Orbea .38 Special. The HO logo is deceptively similar to the S&W, same location etc.

Smith would not mark a revolver -.38 Special Ctgs- they would have included
S&W. My pistol also has an E (Eibar?) prefix serial.

My example does not bear proofs but the top side of the barrel has the country of origin and importer info. Does yours show any sign of markings being removed?

I did submit my piece to a gunsmith and on his advice put only a rare wadcutter through it. I suggest you consider Jim's advice.

 

[Tornado6]

Thanks to all of you for your responses. The gun shows no sign of filing or defacement.

I believe the last responses are correct; it is not a S&W, but a spanish copy. I have found no identification on the pistol that tells me the manufacturer's name, only patent dates on the top of the barrel.

I have no plans to ever fire this piece. My brother left it to me when he passed away. Purely sentimental value.

Thanks again for all your help.