Hi,

I just joined and this is my first post.

I inherited a S&W 6 shot revolver. There are 4 screws on the side plate; the one near the hammer top is only about half on the plate. There is also a screw in front of the trigger guard.

The SN is 284XXX; there are no letters in front. There are no "logos" engraved on either side but "SMITH & WESSON" is in block type on the left side of the barrel. The right side reads "38 S&W Special CTG. The top is stamped "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. USA" along with patent dates, the last of which is "SEPT. 14. 09". The barrel measures 6" overall (about 5 3/16" in front of the frame) with a half circle front sight. The rear is a groove in the frame.

The hammer is case hardened. It has squarish wood grips. The number "166" (?) is stamped on the crane and it's recess.

From what I've seen here it is mid '50's or earlier but I don't know what frame it is and the serial number lists have a letter at the front. The condition is very good to excellent (?).

I've tried to anticipate questions but I've likely forgotten something important. I guess I'd like, mainly, to know what I have. If anyone could give a guess at it's approximate value, I would really appreciate it.

Bob (tvme)

Without a photo or a better description, it appears to be a S&W Model of 1905, 4th change M&P model, probably WWI-era. Value is highly dependent upon condition and originality (including grips), and that cannot be assessed without some very good photos. There is a fifth screw, as you have noted, ahead of the trigger guard. Does it look something like like this one?

First off, welcome to the forum.

It does sound like a Military & Police, Model of 1905, 4th Change. If that's the case, the serial number would date it to about 1917. The number inside the frame recess and on the crane has no significance in identifying or dating the piece.

Absolutely need some photos to be posted to be able to refine this assessment of your revolver, and opine on its value.

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SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Thanks for the quick replies. I'll give the pictures a shot.








Thanks again,
tvme

It is a .38 Military & Police, with the less common round butt grip frame. With no logo on the frame and the style of stocks I would guess it was shipped after 1918 but before 1920. It appears to have its original finish and may be worth $500-600 if so, but an in-person exam may be needed to be certain of this. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

That is a very nice M&P with excellent grips, tvme. Murphydog, I was under the impression that the square butt was less common on that model.

Again I thank you. It is older and certainly more valuable than I thought. You folks are far more helpful than most I've encountered on the internet.

Bob

Everyone will have their own opinion as to value. I would say you could realize $400-500 for it - but not from a gun store or pawn shop. There, maybe half. Best way to know is to get on one of the gun auction sites, such as Gun Broker or Auction Arms and see what prices similar revolvers have sold for (not the asking prices). There were many of these made, so value is not astronomical.

Not sure on the relative numbers/percentages, but the square butt models are much more common from this era. The 1899s and 1902s were all RB, then the SB seemed to take over. Now all the factory makes are RB, with few exceptions.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I think part of the confusion is caused by a misprint in the SCSW that stated that the square butt guns were more scarce but should have been the opposite.

tvme, welcome to the forum, nice look M&P you have there.

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John. SWCA #1586

Very nice round butt 1905. I agree with the value and dating you have heard from others -- late 'teens, $400-500 to somebody who is looking for one of those. A dealer won't give you anywhere near that.

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David Wilson

Welcome to the SW Forum. That is a nice revolver you have. I'd keep it and shoot it with target loads. Sonora

Very nice! Next time,wipe off all those oily fingerprints.

f.t.

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South Carolina-God's country