Inherited S&W .38 Revolver, can you help me ID it?

[Driftwood Johnson]

Just a question.Why is the S&W logo on the other side compared to the other pictures?

Howdy

Good question.

I thought I answered this question in this thread, but apparently it was in another thread.

Unlike many modern products, specific firearms are/were often in production a very long time. During that time there were usually design changes. Sometimes they were minor changes in design, only visible if you took it apart, sometimes the internal changes were of a more drastic nature. And external details could change over that time too.

Looking at one of my Winchester books right now. (Yes, I love Winchester rifles) Not counting its recent rebirth being manufactured in Japan, the Winchester Model 1873 was in production from 1873 until 1923. That's 50 years. Over that time there were at least three major design changes visible from the outside. Many subtle interior design changes. Same story with the Winchester Model 1892. Not counting the new ones being made in Japan, it was in production from 1892 until 1941. 49 years. Those are just a couple of my favorites. The 1860 Henry was only in production from 1862 until 1866, but even in that short time period there were interior and exterior design changes.

The Smith and Wesson 38 Military and Police, and its descendant the Model 10, has been in continuous production from 1899 until today. That's 121 years. Still in production. During that time there have been many, many internal design changes.

And after blabbering on that long, to answer your question, the position, appearance, location, and even the wording of the external markings has changed over time.

To illustrate the point, here is the lockwork of the 38 Military and Police Model of 1899.






In 1905, if memory serves, the lockwork underwent a major design change. This is a K-38 from the late 1940s. it illustrates how radically the design has changed. The lockwork of the current production of the Model 10 is very similar to this. By the way, notice the Marcas Registradas marking on the frame?







Anyway, suffice it to say that the position, appearance, location, and even the wording of the external markings has changed over time.

Maybe I will start a new thread, with photos, about that. Too much to add to this thread.

 

[Tallball]

"Damn - I am a sucker for fine patina - and that old Military & Police sure has it."

Thanks! I got it for next to nothing a few years back because of that very patina!

I shoot mild loads in it, just as a precaution, but even 104-105 years old and shot a lot, it's still an effective firearm.

Here's its "little brother" from the same era:

Smith and Wesson Hand Ejector in 32 S&W long

• Tallball
• Jan 1, 2018

 

[Heir Kommt Die Sonne]

some old geezer would love it.

Hey, why does it have to be a old geezer? I'd love that Model 10.

 

[Maj Dad]

I recently joined the S&W Collectors Assn after I started squandering my children's inheritance on these old beauties. My oldest is a Mod 1905, SN 856XX, manufactured between 1906 - 1909 that Driftwood probably dated for me a few years back. Next is an immediate postwar Mod 1905 SN C 9451XX long action, mfg 1946 (my birth year!) - 1947. I have several 1905s/M&Ps (and several other models) up through the mid-50s when Smith did all their changes, but as you can see, I have a glaring deficit between 1906 and 1946. This pistol would be an ideal candidate for rescue from a sea of uncertainty... Really, I think they are beautiful pistols, mechanical works of art, and if your friend can't be persuaded to keep it, by all means post if for sale here, or even the S&W Collectors forum. It will get a fair price in either place, but you will have to research prices, and the SWCA is a great resource.