Need help on Model of 1905 4th change

john14_18 · #1 09-17-2011, 05:26 PM

Ok, I'm not a smart man. Especially when it comes to these old hand ejectors, but I recently took this in on trade and got to looking at it and if I am reading the SWSC correctly, which I'm probably not,this is a Model 1905 4th Change Square Butt with service sights that the book says is scarce. Is this right or am I just dreaming ? 5 Screw, Serial number 645XXX with matching grips. MADE IN USA on right side of frame with 38 S&W Special Ctg on right side of barrel with ampersand turned sideways, Small S&W emblem on left side of frame and SMITH & WESSON on left side of barrel with ampersand turned sideways.Patent dates on top.

Thank you in advance for any assistance you nay offer and have a Blessed Day !

JP@AK · #2 09-17-2011, 06:03 PM

Hello John
You have the model identified correctly. The stocks are post-1929 and are consistent with the serial number. However, there appears to be a number - 5899 - on the inside of the right panel. This does not square with them being original (I think) unless those are the last four digits of the serial number - which seems possible since the first three are 645. One of the guys who knows stocks better than I do will probably offer more insight on that matter, but can you confirm that the number on the stock panel is actually 645899?
As for the square frames being "scarce" on this vintage of M&Ps, that is simply a misprint in the SCSW. I had the same question a while back and this was clarified. Square butts were very common by this stage of production.
The metal finish and stocks on this gun look very nice.
Regards,
JP

john14_18 · #3 09-17-2011, 06:34 PM

Thanks for the info JP. yes, the stocks are 645899 which is the serial number.I was wondering about the "scarce" since the blue book shows a 50% premium for the target model. It is a pretty nice old gun. It shoots great and good lockup...Good bit of bluing missing on both sides of barrel and some of cylinder edges but remaining blue is very deep. Stocks are pretty good for age I think.Right side is smoother than left... I'm not good at rating but maybe 60-70% ? Probably
going to list for sale as I am trying to finance a model 27. What do you think would be a fair price ?

Thanks again,
Jack

DCWilson · #4 09-17-2011, 09:21 PM

Jack, that's probably closer to 80-85% with the wear you describe and that I can see in the photos. Too bad about the right side stock panel; somebody tried to grind off the checking there, maybe because it hurt his hand when he shot the gun. Hard to know what motivates people's actions when it comes to gun modificaions.

That's probably a $250-300 shooter, maybe a little more in some parts of the country. Value on these M&Ps is held down by the fact that there are so many of them. If you can find one new in the box it can bring serious bucks, but your average gun that is mechanically sound but has some appearance issues will get affordable pretty fast.

In case you're curious, the gun probably shipped in the mid-1930s.

john14_18 · #5 09-18-2011, 09:10 AM

Thanks David. That is about what I figured. It is a cool old gun. Wouldn't it be nice if they could tell you where they have been for the last 70-80 years ?
If I decide to keep it I may send off and get a letter just for nostalgic purposes.

Thanks again to both of you and have a Blessed Day !
Jack