This is my first post in this section of the forum.
My limited knowledge of S&W's is mostly centered on
more recent vintage guns.

I have an opportunity to buy a S&W 1905 hand ejector,
38spl with a 6"bbl. It is conservatively in 95-98%
condition, probably closer to 98%.
Looks to have spent a lot of years in the dark.
No box or papers with it, just the gun.

No chips on the grips, and they are not numbered.
I was told by the seller that the grips were fitted
to each gun on that model, at that time?

Was also told the 6"bbl was not as common
as the 4" and that the gun was made about 1910?
The SN is 180XX.

I would appreciate any feedback from those more knowledgable than me, as to what a fair/good purchase
price would be.

Thanks in advance,

__________________
fgn40

The original grips were fitted to each gun and stamped with the serial number of the gun. If your grips are not numbered , then they are replacements. ( I'm assuming the grips are checkered walnut, not pearl or ivory) You state a serial number in the 18 thousand range. That must be a typo (?) as a Model 1905 serial numbers start in the 62,000 range. If the correct serial number is in the 180,000 range, then you have a Model 1905, 3rd change. A six inch barrel is common for these. Value is probably in the $300-$400 range. Ed.

If the serial number is 180XX, then its a model of 1899. All we can
go on is the information you put in the post here. Does the gun have
a lug under the barrel, to secure the extractor rod ?

Also, confirm that the serial number on the butt is also on the rear
face of the cylinder, and on the flat under the barrel.

Mike Priwer

Thanks for your help Ed & Mike.

The grips are checkered walnut diamond magnas,
and the have gold medallions on them.
I took them off while I was at the shop,
but if they were numbered I couldn't see it.

Not 100% sure on the SN 180XX I was sure I got it right,
but I will check that out again.
I'll also check that the SN is
on the butt, barrel & cylinder.

If my memory serves me correctly
I thought it had an extractor rod & partial lug,

If it does happen to be an 1899
would that effect value?

I will post more information when i get it!

Fred

__________________
fgn40

Mike & Ed

I got some information on the gun today.
The serial number is 1804XX, which
makes it a 1905 3rd variation.

It has matching serial numbers on the butt,
cylinder and bottom of the barrel.
It has the correct stocks for that period...
diamond magnas with gold colored medallions.
Not 100% sure they are original, but looks and
condition wise they sure go with the gun.

Is it possible that S&W did not mark
the grips or marked them with pencil
and it faded or rubbed off?

I beleve it is 95% or slightly better in condition.
Made in 1919 it is 100 years young,
and it will be the first older S&W in
my modest collection, so my gut
is telling me to go for it.

I know it is just a guide, but the latest Bluebook
lists an 90% 1905 3rd var, at around $850 is
the book that far off on Smith revolvers?

I'm sure open, and would be happy to get
any thoughts or comments.

__________________
fgn40

Price guides are a GUIDE and nothing else. Usually any price guide is higher than the real world or the lower than the real world with the rarity of being right on. $850 for a standard M&P is practically never saw. There were many made so they don't hold a ton of collector interest at the moment. I could see high condition target M&Ps bringing that kind of dollar but not a 6 in 3rd variation standard gun. $300 to $400 is where its at. Less than $300 and I say its a steal for the craftsmanship.

I've had grips that were marked with a pencil and the SN could only be seen in the right light, at the right angle.

A couple of things here.

A 1919 M&P in 95% condition is maybe a $350 gun- if that. As noted
earlier, there are too many of these M&P's keeping the price relatively
low. If it were a 90% gun, for example, its $250 to $275 .

The grips should be the small non-magna gold medallion stocks.
That is, the top of the grip fits into the semi-circular frame cutout,
and there is no wood above that point.

There is a vast difference between 180XX and 1804XX !

Mike Priwer

I can understand what your saying about the Bluebook
being only a guide.
I've bought and sold a few Beretta's,
and found the book to be generally
very low on them.
Now I see it is high on some Smith's.

I did make a decision to buy it,
and I will give $450 out the door for it.
Somewhat on the higher side but all things
considered I don't think it was way out of line.

Like you said, the craftsmanship is there,
and I really do appreciate it.
In my mind for a 100 year old gun
the fit & finish is just beautiful.

__________________
fgn40

Thanks, I'll try that when I get home.

__________________
fgn40