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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 10-17-2010, 09:31 PM
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Default .38 M&P 1st Model

I ran across what appears to be about a 98%+ condition 4" nickel 1st Model M&P. It is in a Pawn Shop and I'll probably kick myself later for leaving it there, but there was no way I could take it home with me then. Anyway it gives me a little time to do some research. Its probably not a hot ticket item with most people that frequent this place, but we'll see.

I guess my main question is: Are all S&W's marked on the frame with an "N" indicating factory nickel? I didn't have a chance to remove the grip to check, but in just looking over this gun it appears to be completely original and in very minty condition. It apparently has been sitting in a drawer or other safe place for a long time. When I go back, and if its still there, I will be more serious in my inspection. Its really a little earlier than I like to collect, but I'm seriously thinking about expanding my area of interest.

Any ideas on value? I know pics would be best, but trust my description. I was completely floored when I saw how great the condition was and as I said I may be kicking myself later, but it was unavoidable................
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Old 10-17-2010, 09:55 PM
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I don't think a gun of this era would have had the N stamp on the grip frame, but one of the experts will be along to let you know. One typical clue to a refinish would be a nickeled hammer and trigger; most refinishers won't have the capability to color-caseharden those parts during the re-do.

If by 1st model you mean an 1899 (no forward ejector rod locking point), I can't recall seeing one for sale in the condition you describe. The SCSW quotes $1200 for Excellent+ condition and it may very well be worth that.
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Old 10-18-2010, 12:43 AM
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I'm 99.99% sure it isn't a re-nickel. I tried to look at it very carefully. The hammer and trigger are original case hardening and the grips are excellent, if not mint. I just wish I would have had the cash on me to make the deal, but alas it just wasn't the time. If I'm meant to have this one, it'll still be there when I go back.
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Old 10-18-2010, 01:19 AM
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There is one trick for the older M&Ps.....

Open the cylinder and look at the flat part underneath of the barrel. It should have the serial number. If the frame was blued originally, it will have a B prefix. If nickel originally, it will have no prefix.

I actually read that on this website and when I checked it against my own revolvers, it was true.
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Old 10-18-2010, 11:33 AM
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You are correct. I have an 1899 1st Model, and it does state "B" for blued on the barrel flat under the ejector rod. There were only 20,000+ made, and over 100 years ago. It is my understanding the majority were Blued, making the Nickle ones more scarce. Now if it had Target Sights!!!
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Old 10-18-2010, 03:29 PM
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I don't know about the B on the flat under the barrel. I checked 6
of mine, and no B . I didn't see where Ken indicated the asking
price. If the gun is a target, people will pay a lot for it, in that
condition. One would have to find those "right" people, but it could
easily go over $2500, if its original nickel,and 98%. If its a non-
target, then easily a $1000 - $1500 would not be out of the question.
These are very scarce revolvers.




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Old 10-18-2010, 08:29 PM
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It is not a target model. Another question I have is, were the hard rubber grips numbered to the guns? In the unlikely event that it is still there when I go back, I will look under the barrel and ask to remove the grips. I really hated walking away from this one cause I had this "feeling" about it, but I had no choice. If the M&P gods are willing, it'll still be there when I go back. If it comes home with me, I'll be sure to post mucho pics!

Thanks for the pics Mike, those are some beauties!!
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Old 10-18-2010, 08:56 PM
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Quote:
I don't know about the B on the flat under the barrel. I checked 6 of mine, and no B .
You have nickel guns pictured, which would be without a prefix. If blued, then there is a B prefix. Its true on my pre war hand ejectors.
Quote:
Another question I have is, were the hard rubber grips numbered to the guns?
Yes they are. It should be penciled, but it could be stamped. Its hard to say. I'm not sure for what models are usually one or the other. My early guns are all top breaks or tip ups. My hand ejectors all have wood grips which are penciled with the SN. With rubber, I think it varies a little.
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Old 10-22-2010, 01:08 PM
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I checked all my blue ones, not the nickel ones ! None of the blue
ones have a B on the flat under the barrel.

As to the hard-rubber grips being serial-numbered, if the are, it is
by scratching the number into the inside of the right grip. They are
not numbered by pencil, and normally not by stamping. I have seen
one or two stamped, but I think that was on later round-butts. The
1899's had the number scratched into the grip panel.

Mike Priwer
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