I have read earlier threads on Spanish copies of S&W K-frame M&P-style revolvers but haven't seen one that looks like this one.

Now before anyone says anything like "what bonehead would have refinished this gun", I want you all to know it was ME! In my defense though, it was early in my gun collecting days and I inherited it from a great uncle, so I considered it an "heirloom". The finish was probably not that good even when it was new, but the years were not kind to it and besides, my friendly neighborhood gunsmith needed the work. Fortunately, it had no pitting or serious problems, but cosmetically it was butt ugly.



The momogram on the left side of the frame says it was made by ALFA.

The right side of the frame is totally void of any markings.

My Blue Book actually lists ALFA and says the previous trademark was manufactured by Armero Especialistas Reunidas, located in Eibar, Spain, circa 1920, and that all revolvers are marked Alfa on grips. The grips on this one are plain with very fine checkering, but I have no way to know if these are the original grips. Oh yes, I actually paid to have these refinished as well!



The lockwork is very different from any S&W Model 1905 that I've had apart. Looks more like a Colt to me, but I understand Smith did use a V &/or W main spring on some early guns.


Barrel markings are unusual. The top of the barrel has two lines - line 1 reads "American Best Cartridges Are Those" and line 2 reads "That Fit Best the ALFA Revolvers". The left side of the barrel reads "38 Long Ctg" (I presume this is the same caliber as the original "US Service Cartridge" markings on S&Ws of the same era).

The s/n only appears on the butt. Presumeably an assembly number, "474" appears on the barrel flat, the rear of the cylinder, and the yoke. No number on the extractor.

I've heard that many of the Spanish copies were junk but this one appears to have been relatively well made.

Hopefully, someone out there can add to my limited understanding of this gun? Are there folks out there who "collect" these . . . my sentimental attachment has faded over the years.

Thanks, Russ
SWCA #853