I hate these "what's it worth" threads as much as the next fellow.. however, I have a line on a VERY nice 1905 4th Change Square Butt revolver with new-looking matching number grips. It has the 2 inch barrell and is factory nickel. It has the one line address, the grips are the small silver medallion (service style) and the barrell info is obviously on the side of the little barrell. The hammer and trigger both have the "Reg Pat" info on them. There is an "N" under the grips and every inclination from this novice indicates factory. Of course I have no pics since I haven't made the deal (yet). The book kind of goes crazy on value with this configuration and this chap wants $650. Do I need to start selling some of my possessions to get this piece in your estimation?

Once again I'm thankful for every member of this Forum for help and opinions in matters such as this. What a great place.

Roger

P.S. Serial is 6757**

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Memphis,

Just my opinion but, if its as described...

Buy it before he looks it up.

Pull the grips and look the gun over VERY well for any sign of a rework- dates, stars, and diamonds. Find 5 numbers that match- frame, barrel, cyl, back edge of yoke (toward cyl), and back of extractor.
Then do what pace said.

Thanks Lee, I was hoping you would chime in. I have bought from this fella previously. I wasn't sure of the rarity when I looked at it yesterday. The fella had several pieces but knew I was a Smith guy so brought it to show and offer to me. I looked it over pretty good and was searching for the usual earmarks. I didn't see ANY rework marks, however it did have a tie on it so I did not get to see the bore or chambers, or back of cylinder. I will do that almost immediatly though since I want to make sure timing etc is ok. I'm going to have to get this one if it checks out. Of course I'll have pictures asap. He had the grips off when he showed it to me and they are pristine. This one is making me nervous. It needs to be in my safe..(read soon).

Roger

quote:

It needs to be in my safe..(read soon).

It better. If I find the crank for the ol' Tin Lizzie, I'll be azoomin' North, goggles on, and white scarf flowin' in the wind......

quote:

Originally posted by handejector:
It better. If I find the crank for the ol' Tin Lizzie, I'll be azoomin' North, goggles on, and white scarf flowin' in the wind......

Daydreamin' about your teenage years again, Lee??

Memphis, that sounds like a gun you should NOT let get away from you!

quote:

Originally posted by handejector:

quote:

It needs to be in my safe..(read soon).

It better. If I find the crank for the ol' Tin Lizzie, I'll be azoomin' North, goggles on, and white scarf flowin' in the wind......

Probably rockin' out to some Scott Joplin or ragtime, huh?!
This really paints a vivid picture!

Sounds like a very nice piece.
Better get it if possible.

Ok, let's try some of my "weak" pictures..

I couldn't wait and had to go pick it up. I even more pleased when I saw it today in good light. Absolutely no rework marks anywhere to be found. I found matching serial number in 6 places... frame, grips, yoke front, barrell cylinder and extractor star. The pictures are admittedly terrible..it looks much better in person. It looks like what I thought Nickel should look like...and not chrome. The only marks under the grips on the frame is an "N" and nothing else. Bore and chambers are excellent and the grips are sharp and crips and new looking. I keep trying to feel all reserved about this piece but I really do think I have the real deal. Hammer and trigger still have some case coloring and barrell lug looks legit from all that I've read. I think I did pass Lee in his Jelopy heading up to Memphis town and I just waved him off and sent him back. He'll be just fine.. (have you seen his wonderful for sale list?). This piece deserves a letter and better pictures. What do ya'll think?

Roger

Memphis,
I'd say you did pretty well on this one. If you think about all the M&P 4th model variations out there, this is one of the most difficult models to find...2", nickel, square butt. Colt did very well selling their detective special line but S&W never seemed to be able to catch up in this particular market until after the war. Nice find and thanks for sharing.

That's a fine acquisition, Memphis. I'd be proud to own that one!

Very nice find, Memphis! Now, I can say I've actually seen one (or, at least a picture of one). Congratulations,

Jerry

Thank you all.. still I can only exhale once I have a factory letter in hand confirming configuration. Letters may be on hold according to some. I'll check that out asap. Those pictures are really horrid but I'll try to get some shots soon in natural light with no flash. I've been looking this thing over with a jewelers loupe and like what I see so far. This one has been kept well over the years.

Roger