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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 04-25-2017, 10:24 PM
DeanD DeanD is offline
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Default Help on early M&P .38 Special

Doing some research to narrow in on identifying early 1905 4th Change M&P markings, 5 screw frame. Some had the large S&W logo on the right side (on the side plate) and some instead have a small S&W logo on the left side below the cylinder release with the side plate plain.

Noticed some are plain with no markings on the right side in front of the trigger guard, some say "Made in USA" or whatever.

Do any of these distinctions serve to date the revolver? I am sure they do if only someone knows.

I am looking to date a 6" M&P 1905, 4th change, no logo on the right side and no markings on the frame in front of the trigger guard.

Any help out there?

Last edited by DeanD; 04-25-2017 at 11:32 PM.
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Old 04-25-2017, 10:36 PM
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The MADE IN U.S.A. frame stamp began around mid-1922, and it is indeed a commonly used indicator of age. Another is the extractor rod knob. The "mushroom" shaped knob was changed to the barrel-shaped knurled knob around 1928. The S&W logo was for a long time quite small and stamped on the left side, but went to a larger size on the sideplate around 1938. No logo was used during the WWI period. In some cases, the grip style can be an aid in determining age, assuming the grips are original (they often are not). But the best way to come up with an approximate date is from the serial number. You can always get fairly close to the shipping date if you know the SN.

Last edited by DWalt; 04-25-2017 at 10:41 PM.
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Old 04-25-2017, 10:39 PM
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First, S&Ws do not have a "cylinder release", it is called the Thumbpiece.

Which side the S&W logo is on can change, somewhat at random it seems. Some examples:

1) 1905 .32-20 has a large logo on the sideplate. based on later guns it is sort of "Medium".

2) 1909 .32-20 Rt. side, another "medium".

3) 1918 .38 M&P Rt. side, "medium".

4) 1926 .32-20 Left side, small.

One of the "mediums" doesn't have the border around the Trade and Mark. I believe it was the 1909!

The "Made in U.S.A." was ordered about mid 1922. With it is 1922 or later. Without the gun is no later than 1922.

What is definitive is the serial number from the butt of the gun. What is the SN of the gun you are asking about?
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Last edited by Alk8944; 04-25-2017 at 11:01 PM.
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Old 04-26-2017, 10:27 AM
DeanD DeanD is offline
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Thanks! The "Made in the USA" marking dating to 1922 is earlier than the mushroom ejector rod dating of 1928 and way earlier than the logo being moved from the left side to the sideplate about 1938 so that one is the key to the dating I am looking for. No serial number available as I am trying to date one I previously owned.
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