First post for me: I have a very nice old S&W .38 Special and would like to hear from someone who can support or disagree with what I believe is the correct ID of this revolver: Ser. # 470033, nickel plated, 5 screw, 5" barrel, walnut grips with single brass mounting screw in center of diamond surrounded by checkering, nickel S&W grip medallions, square butt, rounded edge front sight, no adjustable rear sight, fluted cylinder (with matching Ser. No. on rear). Right frame plate: MADE IN U.S.A. Left side frame rear of trigger: small stamped S&W logo. Smooth trigger sides and front surface, smooth sides of hammer with fine engraved checkering on hammer thumb plate. Left side of barrel: SMITH & WESSON; Right side of barrel: 38 S.& W. SPECIAL CTG; Top of barrel:
(very small font, first line) SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS. U.S.A.
(second line) PATENTED FEB.6,06, SEPT.14, 09, DEC.29, 14
My research shows this as a ".38 Military & Police Model of 1905, 4th Change". If this is correct, foot notes state that sqaure butt S&W's from this era are rare, as is nickel plating; the mystery is in the barrel inscriptions: I have been unable to find verification of these exact insciptions or any reference to the small font inscription on top of the barrel. Also, my reference books do not cross-reference serial numbers to exact year of production in the early 1900's. Any information on the exact ID of this pistol would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
(very small font, first line) SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS. U.S.A.
(second line) PATENTED FEB.6,06, SEPT.14, 09, DEC.29, 14
My research shows this as a ".38 Military & Police Model of 1905, 4th Change". If this is correct, foot notes state that sqaure butt S&W's from this era are rare, as is nickel plating; the mystery is in the barrel inscriptions: I have been unable to find verification of these exact insciptions or any reference to the small font inscription on top of the barrel. Also, my reference books do not cross-reference serial numbers to exact year of production in the early 1900's. Any information on the exact ID of this pistol would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.