S&W Model help

[Lupinus]

So I have a S&W .38 special and I can't seem to figure out what the heck the model of it is.

It is old I know that so it isn't any of the newer models on the side of the barrel it reads like this- .38 S&W Special CTG, the barrel is six inches

If it helps at all the serial number is 20231

Any help so I can learn some more about it would be greatly appreciated

 

[XavierBreath]

It sounds like a M&P (Model of 1905), predecessor to the Model 10.
Does it look like either of these?

 

[Lupinus]

yes only the grips are black more of a plastic or something similer so I am guessing they are replacment grips

 

[deadin]

Do the black grips have the S&W logo at the top. If so they are known as "Hard Rubber" grips and are original. With that serial # I would say that you have a very late 38 Military and Police 1st Model. The numbering was from 1 to 20,975 and were made from 1899-1902. Another unique indicator is the lack of a lug on the bottom of the barrel at the front of the ejector rod (ala Colt) If in decent original condition this model has a collector premium over the other 38 M&P's. Original adjustable sight are also worth a further premium.

Dean

 

[Lupinus]

yeah they have the logo and hard rubber hadn't even crossed my mind but now that I think on it that makes perfect sense. As for the sights they arn't adjustable.

For condition I would say it is ok but far from great. The reciever has some pitting, it isn't extremly deep or anywhere near destroying the gun but there is pitting reguardless, though the cylinder and barrle are in decent shape.

 

[deadin]

Still a collectable piece. Would you say Fair or Good condition? Remember you are looking at a gun that's over 100 yrs old so it's not expected to be judged against a modern one. Any original finish left? or has it been refinished? A Picture would be nice.

Dean

 

[Lupinus]

No digital camera but I would say between good and fair leaning to good.

The finish im not sure of. It has a good bit of unfinished metal but there is also staining, not sure if it is powder staining from a lot of firing or if someone jsut did a really crappy job of removing it lol

I'd lean to staining but it does somewhat resenble bluing

having a camera would make so much easier sometimes lol

 

[Lupinus]

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976616752.htm
Looks very much like that one only it isn't blued

And like the one in Xaviers photo with the white grips. Only with the hard blacked grips but the ejector looks more liek the one in the photo above. (doesnt have that little covery thing on the bottem of the barrel)

 

[XavierBreath]

How about this 'un. Is this it?

Xavier
Nice looking 1st Model

Edited to add, This 'un ain't mine, but I wish it was!

 

[BluesBear]

Lupinus, notice that the one on Guns America (and XavierBreath's first photo)
does have the rod lock on the barrel at the end of the ejector rod but the one in XavierBreath's photo above does not.

Also, the one on GA has the large head extractor rod. All of the others pictured herein do not.

Those are very important differences.

 

[deadin]

Xavier
Nice looking 1st Model

Dean

 

[Lupinus]

How about this 'un. Is this it?

That would be it in the photo Xavier

Which of the models is that I noticed there was like four or something and I saw 2, 3, 4 and fours but could find any marked one lol.

 

[Lupinus]

Edited to add, This 'un ain't mine, but I wish it was!

Want one? lol

 

[Lupinus]

So I found a few articles on it and some examples, also where to look for army or navy stampings and the gun lacks either.

Any idea of value or where a good place to look would be for the value on it?

 

[BluesBear]

Value for those old models are all over the place.
And it's based on three things only.



Condition.



Condition.



And what condition it's in.


And no two people are going to agree exactly on it's condition.



If you wish to sell it you're best bet would be to determine what's it worth to you and then see if someone will give you that much for it.