I picked up a Military and Police 1905 4th change at a local gun show this weekend. I was hoping someone could narrow down the ship date. The serial number is 5888xx. I’ll post pics later. Thank you. Keith

**Update**: Thanks to all who responded. I was thinking 1930's but late 1920's makes more sense. The stocks you see in the pics were not on the gun when I bought it. I picked those up at a flea market about 5 years ago. Notice the big chip on the bottom of one. Can these stocks be restored? Would it be worth it? Are they even correct for this revolver? The later era stocks in the pic came on the gun. They number to K1 or 1K (not exactly sure) 571171. They look like 1970's era stocks to me. BTW, if you have a K frame with this number PM me.
The seller had this gun priced at $400. I offered $350 and he didn't hesitate to take it. Said he needed to sell something. The blue looks original to me. It has one buggered screw but curiously the others look ok. No rework marks on the grip frame. Action is perfect and locks up vault tight. All numbers match. I don't think it was fired much and was obviously well cared for. Thanks to all for helping out. I can't wait to shoot it this weekend.

Keith

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Keith,
Only a historical letter or contact with the Factory can provide a shipping date

However from the serial number we can usually guesstimate a manufacturing date based on available lists

If I am looking at the correct spot on the list, it says that from 1915-1942 the serial numbers used were 241704-700000

I would guess mid to late 1930s

5095XX left the factory 06/02/25, if that helps a little.

Late 1920s, likely 1928. A good benchmark to remember is that they hit 600,000 sometime in 1929.

So to be all original, it should have the small logo on the left, the barrel-shaped ejector rod knob, and non-medallion stocks.

587975 shipped 5/9/34 and 588680 shipped Aug., 1928, so it's evident , as always has been known, that S&W didn't ship guns in serial number sequence. Last gun in the vault would be the next one shipped if an order came in. When your gun was shipped can only be told by a factory letter, however it was made probably in late 1927 to early 1928. Ed.