I picked this one up from a local store yesterday. The serial number is in the 396xxx range, which(if I read correctly) makes it a 4th change. As best as I can tell, the nickel is original on it.





I also picked these up from a different local source yesterday, and I'd appreciate any opinions as to whether or not they would be correct on the gun shown here

Your gun is a Model 1905, 4th change, shipped in March 1922. The stocks you picked up are correct for a gun made between 1920 and 1929, as they lack any medallion insert. Ed.

Hi
Pretty good find. This .38 Military & Police dates from about 1921, maybe 1922 (remember, all we can do is estimate shipping dates without a factory letter, because they did not ship in serial order). We know it has a heat treated cylinder, because that started in September, 1919, at about serial number 316xxx.
The stocks you found would be correct for this revolver. The non-medallion stocks with a convex stock circle shipped from 1920 until c. 1929. In my opinion, they will make your gun look a lot better than the faux-pearls that are on it now.
Cheers! And enjoy your new old gun!

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

The December 29, 1914, patent date on the barrel is the tale bearer on that matter. Serial range also confirms it, as you said.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Thanks for the responses-the faux pearls are now gone, and I took the time to take photos that I think are much more representative of the gun than the above.

If you want to restore those grips to like-new condition, there are those who can do it for less than $100.

Lookin' good!

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

A question to the experts here:
When did S&W move their logo to the left side? I have a nickel Model of 1905 just like this one, but from around 1914 with the medallion grips and the logo larger and on the right side plate.

Attached Images

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Thanks everyone for your comments and compliments.

As far as restoring the grips-the gun itself is far from "like new" and I feel like the grips as they are now are a decent match for the condition of the gun.