Year, value & history, please...

MKJAJ · #1 05-10-2017, 06:36 PM

This revolver has been with my mother since her brother passed early '90's. She never knew the history. Passing it on to a nephew (only male heir) for graduation and would like to tell him a little about it. From what I have been able to determine, this is a Military & Police (Model of 1905 - 1st change). Serial #78396

Would a revolver like this have been used in WWI? Were they available for sale to the general public or were they made for a specific use? What is interesting or special about this weapon? Is there ammunition available?

(Please excuse stray dog hair on the towel!)

murphydog · #2 05-10-2017, 07:32 PM

Welcome! You have the ID correct, except I think it is a .38 M & P, 2nd change from about 1906.

The left barrel stamping indicates it can use .38 Special and the shorter Long Colt, aka "U.S. Service CTG". Can't put your prime competitor's name on your gun if you avoid it, right?

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In 1899 and 1902, limited numbers of similar guns were used by the US military, but these have specific marks IDing them as such. The vast majority of these were bought by private individuals and law enforcement. If it is mechanically sound, standard pressure lead bullet .38 Special should work fine in it and is readily available.

Several million similar guns have been made, and a later version is still in production, called the model 10-14. Hope this is helpful.

DWalt · #3 05-10-2017, 08:05 PM

Given that it has the rounded butt, S&W would have called it a Model of 1902 at that time. Serial #78396 would date its shipment at around late 1906, possibly 1907. Those early K-frames having a square butt are called the Model of 1905, and in fact prior to 1905, all the K-frames had rounded butts. Anyone with the money could buy one. It was most definitely not used as an official U. S. military revolver during WWI, but I suppose some doughboys and officers may have carried them as personal weapons. Not too uncommon a practice back then.

BTW, the "U. S. Service CTG" is the .38 Long Colt which was the official U. S. military revolver cartridge at that time. It is a little shorter than the later .38 S&W Special cartridge, less powerful, and is long obsolete as a factory round. However, I think there are specialty loaders who still offer it. Any .38 Special or .357 Magnum revolver will also accept and fire the .38 Long Colt cartridge, as the only dimensional difference is length.

.38 S&W Special ammunition is as common as dirt. Your best bet would be to use only standard velocity rounds (not +P) having lead bullets.

MKJAJ · #4 05-10-2017, 08:40 PM

Thanks y'all. I hope this gives my nephew some idea of what this revolver is all about. I know little to nothing about guns, so at least I can give him an accurate accounting of it's age and usage. We were hoping there would be something of real interest about it, but if millions were produced, I guess it's not that unique. He'll be happy just knowing it was his great-grandfather's and has been passed down to him.

Buford57 · #5 05-10-2017, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MKJAJ

Thanks y'all. I hope this gives my nephew some idea of what this revolver is all about. I know little to nothing about guns, so at least I can give him an accurate accounting of it's age and usage. We were hoping there would be something of real interest about it, but if millions were produced, I guess it's not that unique. He'll be happy just knowing it was his great-grandfather's and has been passed down to him.

That's the most important part.

bamabiker · #6 05-10-2017, 09:46 PM

Sounds like the kind of young man that might like to hang out here on the forum. Be sure to tell him about it.
I'm sure the members here would be glad to see a new S&W enthusiast.