Military & Police no model #

shooter-55 · #1 03-15-2015, 10:53 AM

Just picked up an M&P (believe it to be) that has no model number on it. Speculating this after doing a little research. Brown patina with only a few slight pit marks on the back of the frame. Excellent action and lock up.Pretty crisp rifling. Don't have the ser # with me right now (it's at my other office) and can update that Tuesday if needed. Looking for general value on it.
Give me some opinions, please.
Thanks in advance,
Tim

glowe · #2 03-15-2015, 11:22 AM

Model numbers were introduced in 1958 and before that, they were named like yours, a 38 Hand Ejector, Military & Police, Fourth Change. It would have shipped between 1920 and 1922 if the stocks are original. Another common name is Model of 1905, but by the 1920s, they did not use that name anymore.

You might or might not like my value estimate depending on what you paid, but the finish is badly worn. That would eliminate any collector value, but there is still a following out there looking for vintage shooters. I would say that these guns would average $250-$300 at auction.

DCWilson · #3 03-15-2015, 11:33 AM

From the design of the stocks, the shape of the ejector rod knob, and the absence of the MADE IN U.S.A. rollmark, I'd date that one to 1920-22. If I'm right, the serial number ought to be somewhere around 380000-400000.

It's not a collector grade specimen because the finish is a little weak, but if the action is sound and the bore and chambers are unpitted, it would probably be fairly valued in the $300-350 range. S&W made millions of the M&P revolvers between 1899 and now, so there is no scarcity premium for them in general, though prices for some of the uncommon varieties can get pretty high. This one looks like it would make a fine old shooter, but it would probably be good not to stress it with +P ammo or hot handloads.

Price can vary with geography, so there may be states where you couldn't sell it for more than $250 and others where you could get $400.

EDITED TO ADD: Gary got in there first while I was messing around with the response features, but we sort of see the gun the same way even if we disagree a little on a value. I guess in terms of the geographic element the question is, "What's it worth in Ohio." I'm over 2000 miles away from knowing what to say about that.

shooter-55 · #4 03-15-2015, 12:12 PM

Appreciate the quick replies guys. I am not into this for very much and figured it about the ranges you both have said. Understand that it is not collector quality and knew it would be "de-valued" due to the lack of finish. Personally, am pretty impressed with the shape it's in for almost a 90+ year old gun. Hope I look that good at that age…….
Thanks

DWalt · #5 03-15-2015, 03:01 PM

We are assuming it is chambered in .38 Special, not .32-20. Correct? M&Ps came in both calibers but were separately serial numbered. Those in .32-20 are much less commonly encountered, but do not carry much of a price premium, even though logic would indicate otherwise. The dating given above is correct - I'd say 1921 to mid-1922 judging from the grips and markings, but not knowing the SN. Virtually any M&P in sound but not too ugly condition will bring $250-$300 today. If you don't have any more than that into it, you are OK.

glowe · #6 03-15-2015, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCWilson

. . . EDITED TO ADD: Gary got in there first while I was messing around with the response features, but we sort of see the gun the same way even if we disagree a little on a value. I guess in terms of the geographic element the question is, "What's it worth in Ohio." I'm over 2000 miles away from knowing what to say about that.

One would think that prices might be higher in California, but some of the best buys I have come up with are from online CA auction houses. I guess I seldom buy from a LGS or anywhere locally, since options are limited. I sometimes find something at local gunshows, but most are small with not much variety. One example is a M&P quite a bit earlier than the OPs, a Model 1899 in about the same condition that just sold today for $200 at an AZ auction. I missed the auction or it would have been mine. Heck, the ejector knob is worth $200 today. Oh welll, can't get them all.

shooter-55 · #7 03-15-2015, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DWalt

We are assuming it is chambered in .38 Special, not .32-20. Correct? M&Ps came in both calibers but were separately serial numbered. Those in .32-20 are much less commonly encountered, but do not carry much of a price premium, even though logic would indicate otherwise. The dating given above is correct - I'd say 1921 to mid-1922 judging from the grips and markings, but not knowing the SN. Virtually any M&P in sound but not too ugly condition will bring $250-$300 today. If you don't have any more than that into it, you are OK.

Yes, it is a .38 Special. So, anywhere from $250-$400 is the consensus, right? I'll be OK anywhere in that range.
Thanks to all.
Tim