Original grips?

[IDK]

First off, great forum. I've been reading it for a few years and finally joined. Only problem is that I now have this overwhelming desire to add to my collection.

I have this 32-20 Win 1905 hand ejector with a serial number 34xxx. I believe that puts it early second change approximately 1907? I was wondering if anyone can tell me if the grips could be the original. Should there be medallions on them?

[Camster]

Welcome.I think that they are aftermarket or dealer installed.
I believe that Smith always made of point of having medallions on any stocks provided by them.

[Cavaliere]

I believe that the mother of pearl stocks on early hand ejectors were supplied both with, and without, S&W medallions.

[OFT II]

Bear in mind that S&W didn't put any medallions on stocks in the '20s, not even on wood. However, I think that this revolver pre-dates that time period so they are likely after-market.

Is the s/n penciled on the inside of the right grip?

[PMRet]

Originally Posted by IDK

First off, great forum. I've been reading it for a few years and finally joined. Only problem is that I now have this overwhelming desire to add to my collection.

Welcome to the forum. Folks around here usually refer to that "overwhelming desire" as an addiction...

[bettis1]

I also believe that they are aftermarket. Adding grips like that was a common profit center for various distributors...usually added a dollar or so to the price of the gun.

Around that period the S&W Factory placed the following notice and picture in the bottom of their boxes:

"CAUTION
As many inferior Pearl Stocks are fitted to our Revolvers after they have left our factory, it is necessary to caution the public in regard to them. These are thin, imperfect, ill-fitting, and in every way inferior to those supplied by us, and injure the appearance of the arm. In order to protect our reputation and the public, it has become necessary to use our monogram trademark in the usual place in the stocks, as shown in above cut. This is inserted in gold or silver and is a guarantee of quality."

Those look to be very nice but be extremely careful when you remove them. They are quite fragile. I think you will also be surprised at just how heavy the pearls are also.

Bob

[IDK]

Thanks for all your comments. I removed the stocks at lunch today and there is no pencil serial number. Nothing thin about these, but that is an interesting note. Do you think that was a marketing ploy by S&W? I figured they weren't original but, since this gun spent at least 30 years under my grandmother's mattress, they had to have been replaced very early on. Unfortunately I have no other information about the history of this gun as she passed several years ago.

I did notice today that I misread the serial number. It is 31xxx not 34xxx. Guess that makes it first change and maybe a year or so newer (since the first and second changes overlapped). I'm still getting used to the idea that I need glasses to read.

About this addiction thing. Does anyone know of a good divorce lawyer? I may need one soon.