My new old K frame

[Waveski]

A short while back I acquired a J frame I have wanted for some time , a first year issue (1931) Smith and Wesson Outdoorsman , a .22 revolver with the gold dot (Call) front sight. I quickly decided that I needed a companion K frame , an early Military & Police in .38 special.

The brokerage ad I focused on referenced a 6 1/2" barrel. I thought that to be a typo ; I expected 6". I was wrong , the seller was correct. What really got me was the lanyard ring! I have not seen many of those on pre war M&Ps. Had to have it.

Please take a look at my 1909/1910 M&P (#162666). Tell me : Is the 6 1/2" barrel unusual? And what about the lanyard ring , how common is that feature on a M&P of that vintage? And finally , how did I do at $389.92 ? Me , I would have gone higher based on my desire attraction to the lanyard ring AND the early style ejector rod end - the nicely knurled "mushroom cap". I have Driftwood Johnson to thank for getting me hung up on that last detail !

 

[Iggy]

You did very well. The stocks are worth almost as much as you paid for the gun. 6 1/2 barrels are not uncommon.

Can't add anything about the lanyard ring.

Two 30's vintage Outdoorsmen.


N frame 38/44 and K frame .22 LR.

 

[rcmodel]

Your (actually measured from front of cylinder to end of barrel) 6 1/2" barrel is unusual.

Your lanyard ring is unusual too, but not unheard of.

Back when the gun was made pre-WWII, police uniforms often incorporated a Sam Browne duty belt, with a strap over the shoulder.
And a lanyard to protect against a dropped & lost gun.

Horse mounted, and motorcycle cops were especially prone to use both.

And back then, a 'special order' to S&W would get you anything your hearts desired.

Your gun would be worth paying for a factory letter to see who ordered it, and where it went originally from the factory.

A good letter could increase the value considerably!!

https://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp...4_750001_750051_757825_-1_757814_757812_image

Unfortunately, Roy Jinks the historian is getting way up there in age.
And current requests are overwhelming the system.

But please try anyway after the first of the year.
Your gun could have an interesting story to tell if only it could talk!

rc

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

Howdy

Yes, you did very well, but I don't think I would pay that much just for the grips.

According to Supica and Nahas, you have a 38 Military and Police Model of 1905, 3rd Change. I haven't researched it, but 1909/1910 sounds about right. Serial Numbers for the 3rd Change run from 146900 through 241703, with 94,803 produced from 1909 to 1915.

According to Supica and Nahas, 6 1/2" as well as 4", 5", and 6" were standard barrel lengths for the 1st Change through the 3rd change. It seems that when the 4th Change came along in 1915, the 6 1/2" barrel length was dropped. The great majority of M&Ps were the 4th Change models, with 758,296 produced from 1915 until 1942. That may be one reason we don't see as many 6 1/2" barrels.

The grips are correct for the assumed age of the gun, Service grips with recessed gold medallions, used from about 1910 to about 1920. You should pop them off and see if they are serialized to the gun. Grips were serialized in pencil and the marking may have faded over time. No, I don't remember which grip was usually serialized. While you're at it, check the other three places the SN should appear on the gun; under the barrel, rear of the cylinder, and underside of the extractor star.

Glad to see you found such a nice old shooter.

One caution; S&W did not start heat treating cylinders until around SN 316648, so keep your loads light.

The only 6 1/2" K frame I have is this 1st change. I believe it was made around 1906, but I would have to look it up to be sure. The lanyard ring on this one is not original, it was added at a later date. The grips on this revolver are correct for its time, flattened top without medallions, used from about 1904 to about 1910.

 

[stu1ritter]

The serial number should also be visable on the rear face of the yoke, seen through one of the charge holes with a flashlight. The right grip carries the serial number.
Stu

 

[Waveski]

The numbers on the butt , barrel , cylinder and yoke all match. Thanks to Stu regarding the yoke - I would not have known to look there.

The inside of the right grip panel shows the very faintest evidence of markings , not at all legible. I am going to proceed with the belief that the grips - which are in real nice condition save for a few dings on the butt - are original to the 105 year old gun.

The screws are clean and unmolested.

The lanyard ring does not conflict with the serial number on the frame butt , and I believe at this point that the ring is original as well.

Given the overall condition of the revolver , and it's vintage - lanyard ring and all - combined with the remarkably sweet trigger , I am very pleased.