Help in narrowing down a .38 M&P Model of 1905

[Targets Guy]

I believe it is a 4th edition.

The s/n is 539240. My 3rd edition SCSW says that a small number were purchased by the Texas State prison between 1927 and 1930 with s/n's btw 500000 and 630000.

would I be correct in assuming that this pistol while probably not going to the Texas State prison was also made between '27 and '30?

anyone out there have a better ballpark for the year s/n 539240 was produced?

Thanks.

[Absalom]

I think 1927 is most likely. The ejector rod knob changed sometime that year. Does it still have the big mushroom?

PS: A quick forum search produced a picture of 541xxx which still had the old-style extractor knob and was dated to late 1926 or early 1927, so yours should be in the same neighborhood.

[Targets Guy]

Yes it has the big knob.

Thanks. I originally thought it was in the mid 30's time frame but now agree it is prob 26 or 27.

Here is a photo.

[Absalom]

Nice one. Stocks are period-correct for the 1920s, too. After 1930, it would have been medallion stocks. Looks like a well-used service revolver; the barrel wear indicates it went in and out of a holster many times. Could easily letter to a department, even if likely not Texas prisons. I have one that is almost identical, in configuration and condition, from 1923, Minneapolis PD.

[Targets Guy]

It's not mine yet. I am researching and counting my loose change. I think it may be out of my league.

[lamarw]

I have a 4th change with serial number 577063. It has a 5" barrel and was shipped to a hardware store in Tuscaloosa, AL on Nov. 19, 1929.

I suspect it was a former law enforcement gun since the bottom of the original wood grips has the character marks of a tack hammer.