Hello everyone, I'm excited to finally be posting on the forum, especially because this is my first wheel gun. Recently I was passed down a hand ejector from my grandfather, who got it from his grandfather. It's a .38 sp, serial# 129x. After doing some research on the forum it seems that it is a very early commercial model and was likely produced/delivered in early 1900. Is this correct? other thoughts/opinions?
New S&W owner, old Hand Ejector
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VERY cool! Model of 1899 I believe, and in impressively good condition too.
Great introductory post. Welcome to the forum.
Great introductory post. Welcome to the forum.
A great family heirloom.
Welcome from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Welcome from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
BC38 has it. Model of 1899. Here's mine , just a couple before yours (1215). They really like Black Hills HollowBack Wadcutters.
Yours is a very nice example! Congratulations! Your early 1900 ship dating is spot on.
Yours is a very nice example! Congratulations! Your early 1900 ship dating is spot on.
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Let me be the first to say welcome to the Forum. You indeed have a 38 Hand Ejector, 1st Model. It was undoubtely manufactured in 1899. Nice condition and exciting that it has been in your family for 5 generations!
Welcome to the forum, what a neat first post. I can't add much to what has already been said. I feel this particular model is more important than it gets credit for. That is a nice holster as well do not store the revolver in it. If there is rust present fine brass wool and some oil will help remove it without harming the remaining bluing.
Welcome tot Smith & Wesson Forum from Arizona. Great Start!
Welcome from Pennsylvania!
Very nice S&W you entered with.....
Very nice S&W you entered with.....
Thank you all for the informative and welcoming responses! delcrossy- can't believe someone replied so quickly with a nearby serial#.
A little more background, it sat in the holster for ~60 years with some sort of grease that became extremely hard over time. Fortunately a coworker has a history with older firearms and generously cleaned and lubricated the action. It's running properly with some light hand loads and will mostly be a display/collection piece from here on out
A little more background, it sat in the holster for ~60 years with some sort of grease that became extremely hard over time. Fortunately a coworker has a history with older firearms and generously cleaned and lubricated the action. It's running properly with some light hand loads and will mostly be a display/collection piece from here on out
usmc2427765
US Veteran
Welcome aboard from Texas.
Welcome from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Consider joining the Smith and Wesson Collectors Association also.
Consider joining the Smith and Wesson Collectors Association also.
Welcome aboard. That's a great first Smith with a wonderful history.
Regards,
Bruce
Regards,
Bruce
Welcome aboard from NC. Impressive entry!!!!! Please join the Collector's Association. Many of the members will envy your family heirloom. I know I do.
BTW, any family in Law Enforcement who may have used this firearm? It and its heirs were the king of police duty weapons for many years.
StrawHat
Member
A hearty Buckeye welcome from NE Ohio.
Kevin
Kevin
Donald Paul
Member
… welcome, from Florida.
That's a very nice 1899 revolver.
A real heirloom.
Enjoy.
Regards - Donald
That's a very nice 1899 revolver.
A real heirloom.
Enjoy.
Regards - Donald
Welcome from Virginia!
That is a great heirloom and for sure as others have posted it is the first "modern" swing out cylinder designed for military and police.
Mine pictured below is the US Army Model 1899 and is military marked. According to the Letter of Authenticity that I received on mine, the official nomenclature would be 38 Hand Ejector, Military & Police, First Model and I since your serial number falls into that first 20975 I agree maybe a 1900 ship date.
The example Letter on mine would surely establish very decent provenance on yours and since it was a commercial sale rather than military or police, it may even Letter direct to your grandfather!
At the very least I strongly urge you to get your gun Lettered as well as gathering as much family history and lore as you can. The Letter(s) at reduced cost are another big benefit of joining SWCA, and SWHF.
Best of luck with that great first model, first post!
