S&W .38 Model US Army Model of 1899 Revolver

[Von der Goltz]

Here is my S&W .38 US Army Model of 1899 revolver serial number 13273 which was shipped to the US Army Springfield Armory MA on April 2 1901.

 

[wcwhitey]

That is sweet, very nice

 

[UncleEd]

I like.

Gotta ask. Reblued?

Even if so still wonderful.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Wow! You have exquisite taste, sir!

 

[Von der Goltz]

I like.

Gotta ask. Reblued?

Even if so still wonderful.

I don't see any evidence of previous pitting under bluing and the letters/numbers are crisp/bold and don't look to be buffed but I'm no expert so look forward to other opinions.

 

[UncleEd]

It's quite possible that IF it was reblued,
the gun didn't have any pitting or signs
fr rough handling. A previous owner
merely wanted to restore the gun to its
original luster when the original bluing
thinned and wore away.

And if S&W did the rebluing
then it does NOT detract from its
value in any way. It's a fine looking
specimen as I said before. Enjoy.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Very nice!

I am confused- is it physically chambered for .38 Special and just marked .38 Mil, or actually cut only for the shorter cartridge?

 

[bannockburn]

Von der Goltz

That's one beautifully blued finish on your S&W! I'm no expert but at first glance I was inclined to think: maybe polished then reblued. Yet as you look at the serial numbers and other markings, they are clean and crisp, like the gun just left the factory yesterday. Just can't say for sure but it's still one very nicely preserved S&W U.S. Army Model 1899!

 

[entropy]

I don't see any evidence of previous pitting under bluing and the letters/numbers are crisp/bold and don't look to be buffed but I'm no expert so look forward to other opinions.

It's been polished and reblued. It took a while to confirm that. Doesn't look like it had rust and had been flat filed. Looks like just a light buff and reblue. The giveaway is the frame where the sideplate meets it is rounded, and very slightly uneven. Still a fine specimen, very nice M1899!

 

[RevolvingGarbage]

I’m not an expert, but the numbers on the front of the grip frame look a little rounded and indicative of some degree of buffing for a reblue, however the numbers elsewhere show less signs thereof, certainly. Regardless, it’s a very nice looking gun.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

The bluing looks to dark for a S&W, especially the cylinder. I agree with the others. I see rounded edges where they should be sharp.
Still a real beauty. Anyone would be happy to own it.

 

[Pat Riot]

Regardless…It’s a beauty. What a great piece of history. Thank you @Von der Goltz