Model 1905 / 4th Change

EZOne · #1 09-26-2010, 05:22 PM

I purchased a Model 1905/ 4th change that the previous owners had placed his name on the side plate. I am interested in obtaining a newer side plate without markings. It is a 5 screw plate as shown in the attached pictures. Appreciate any help.

EZOne

handejector · #2 09-26-2010, 05:27 PM

Leave it alone.
Sideplates are fitted, and numbered to the gun, so even if you find one, you WON'T help the gun.
You will actually lower the value.
That engraving style is contemporary to the gun.
Do some research- he may be famous or notable in some way.

It would be a shame if you replaced the sideplate and found out the guy was a Texas Ranger, or an OSS guy that parachuted into France in 42.

gjamison · #3 09-26-2010, 05:30 PM

IMHO i think you should keep it as it is. finding a side plate that fits as good as the old one will be very hard. do some research on the name you never know what you may find.....

gjamison · #4 09-26-2010, 05:33 PM

lee you got in before me

samething i was thinking

slow at the keyboard.

DCWilson · #5 09-26-2010, 06:08 PM

I doubt the owner ordered that block upper case engraving on his own gun. That feels like a retirement gift to me, or some other form of personal recognition. I would not touch that piece, and I would move heaven and earth to find out who E.C. Newberg was.

Can you share the first part of the serial number with us? That looks like a late 'teens gun to me with the gold medallions on the stocks.

It's a nice piece, just as it is.

handejector · #6 09-26-2010, 08:00 PM

Gun is no earlier than early 20's.

bmcgilvray · #7 09-26-2010, 09:24 PM

I had visions of a name, crudely scribed with an electro-pencil. That is neatly done and adds interest.

j38 · #8 09-26-2010, 10:20 PM

Ditto on what's been said before. I would only add that if that engraving offends you, please let me know. Otherwise, enjoy that old M&P!

Best Regards,

Jerry

Andy Griffith · #9 09-26-2010, 11:24 PM

No telling who that was...however, I'd suggest rolling the dice and spending the money if possible and getting a factory letter to see if may have shipped anywhere strange or if it has any notation in the factory records. I will say now that it is a **** shoot, but may find out something.

I agree with all the other posts.

If you are set on not having one with writing on it, I'm certain that you could trade it for one without writing- I would.

DCWilson · #10 09-26-2010, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by handejector

Gun is no earlier than early 20's.

Sorry, not following. I could see no later than the early '20s based on the stocks, but why no earlier?

Something about the medallions?

KEN L · #11 09-27-2010, 12:35 AM

I do believe a letter is warranted on this one!

EZOne · #12 09-27-2010, 08:35 AM

From what I can determine (second hand), the gun was owned by a police officer in Cicero. I have an old holster, marked with his name and a date of January 28, 1930, as well. Thank you all for the advice on keeping it as is. It does add some interest and I believe that I will keep it as is. You are correct as the side plate is serialized with the other parts.

EZOne

fyimo · #13 09-27-2010, 08:50 AM

Great decision to leave it the way it is.

DCWilson · #14 09-27-2010, 09:16 AM

Lots of Newbergs in Cook County, including some with names like Earl, Elmer, etc. I bet you can find him with not too much work. Check out the Social Security Death Index (available online, but look out for possible misspellings.)