Quote:
Originally Posted by JP@AK
...... I'm having trouble making it out, but if the first two digits are 99, it was made after 1906 (so-called "1st Change," maybe "2d Change").
The rebound pin is at the rear of the frame. IIRC that would suggest 1st Change, but I can't remember for sure.
As to whether it should be called a Model of 1902 or 1905, that entirely depends on your philosophy of nomenclature. Both camps are adequately represented in the collecting fraternity. I refuse to debate it, since the proponents of both sides are well entrenched, and both can put forward reasonable arguments. It is a Military & Police revolver with a round butt, and by 1915-16 that is what the factory was calling them. The 1902, 1905 nomenclature by that time was archaic.  |
I also think the first two digits are 99, so this is the right placement.
As for the nomenclature, as Jack says, collector arguments are well-entrenched, so when available as in this case, I stick with the historical record and ignore collectors
There is no doubt that this gun was sold as a .38 Military & Police Model 1902 any time before 1910. So that’s what it is.
(Abercrombie & Fitch catalog 1910)