*** Smith & Wesson .38 Revolver History Needed Please ***

[BAMA]

I have what seems to be a very old Smith & Wesson .38 Revolver. I got this gun from my Grandfather, it was given to him from a friend, years ago. I'm trying to find some history on this gun, date of manufacture would be great.
The serial # on this gun is 69663 and all the numbers match. It has a 6" barrel, 6 shot and wood checked stock. Pat'd dates on this gun start Apr. 9, 89 all the way to Dec. 17, 01. If anyone has any info on this gun would you please help? I would also like to know the value for this gun as well. Thanks!

 

[Old Fuff]

Your "old timer" is a Smith & Wesson .38 Hand Ejector, Military & Police; Model 1905.

The serial number and patent dates confirm that it was made in either 1905 or 1906 (most likely 1906). During that time serial numbers ranged between 62,450 to 73,250. Standard barrel lengths were 4, 5 and 6 1/2 inches, measured from the front face of the cylinder to the muzzle end of the barrel. They were marked: .38 S&W SPECIAL & U.S. SERVICE ctg. later barrels were 6 inches long, and marked: 38 S&W SPECIAL ctg. Look on the bottom of the barrel, at the rear above the ejector rod for another number that matches the one on the butt. You will have to swing out the cylinder to see it.

As you noted, checkered walnut stocks were standard on square-butt revolvers, and if you carefully remove them you should find the serial number penciled on one side, because in those days the stocks were individually fitted to each frame for a perfect fit.

Because of its early manufacrure the 6-shot cylinder is not heat treated.

Standard finishes were full blue or nickel plate. In both cases the hammer and trigger were color-casehardened.

For a $50.00 research fee, S&W will locate your gun in their century-old shipping records and send you a letter with more specific data, including the date it was shipped from the factory and to what distributor or dealer. Additional information will be found at: www.smith-wesson.com

 

[BAMA]

thanks more help someone

 

[BAMA]

No body come on

 

[Oro]

No body come on

Honestly, Old Fuff gave you a ton of information; more than you could find out in an hour of googling or for buying a $30 book - there just isn't much more to add. He did you a good turn. Now that you know it's a M&P model you can google that and read for hours.

If you want value data or more information, you need to do your part and post some high quality pictures as a start.

 

[rhippert]

A question for Old Fluff:
I have an .38 S&W 5-shot revolver. It is about the size of the current J-Frames, but it has a conventional hammer and rounded grip. It has a blued finish. I know this gun dates back to somewhere around 1948 to 1950 when it was given to my mother by her uncle. The serial number is 55977. I believe when it first came out it was referred to as a Chief's Special.

I believe it came in a blue cardboard box,but it's long gone.

Do you know any thing more about this gun, possibly the Model number? My Mother also gave me another number that she thought was the serial number: 17A35.

Thanks.

 

[rhippert]

Sorry -- newbie error.

Reposted as new thread.

 

[Old Fuff]

Since the Chief Special was introduced in 1950 at serial number 1, I doubt that's what your mother has if her dates are correct. However you need to confirm that the side of the barrel is stamped *38 S&W Ctg.* and not *38 Special Ctg.* "Ctg." by the way stands for "cartridge," and does not denote a particular model, but rather the kind of ammunition to use.

I presume the barrel is 2" inches long, but it could be otherwise. Measure from the front face of the cylinder to the end of the muzzle. Please confirm the barrel length.

Once this information is posted someone will proceed to identify the gun.