I have an old five screw with 4" barrel. The barrel is marked with what appears to be a triangle symbol next to an m resting on its right side, then 38 S&W Special Ctg, and then ending with the same beginning symbol. Patent dates are on top of the barrel. There is no S&W logo stamp on the right side of the frame between grips and trigger guard. The serial number under barrel above push rod and on butt are 300,000 series. The only number on the yoke is 1544 with no dash. Does anyone know anything about this pistol? Is it a real S&W?
No S&W Stamp On Right Side
- Thread starter hmo020
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I believe frames made right around or just after WWI were not stamped with a logo. I have a 1905 M&P sans logo from that era in the mid 400,00 IIRC. Hopefully those more learned will sign on and clarify.
John
John
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Correct, after WW I to the early 1920s these had no S & W frame stampings.
I have a .38 M&P, serial# 338008, which shipped in May, 1920, and it has no S&W logo on the frame.
There was a period after WWI in which the logo was not used on the frame. Not sure the time period, but I believe yours falls in that category.
There was a period after WWI in which the logo was not used on the frame. Not sure the time period, but I believe yours falls in that category.
Thanks folks. I appreciate your comments. I just wondered. I bought this gun at a pawn shop for $150 a few years ago for my mom and dad to keep handy in their home. Now it's mine again. Not that I want to sell it. It's a curiosity. I have a gun collection and I've owned guns since I was old enough to shoot the John Wayne Daisey BB Gun. Wish I had it back.
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Many wonder what are the little iron cross-like marks that you described at the beginning and end of the cartridge and/or patent date roll mark on the barrel. Dingbats were a common typographical ornamentation used as a guide and referred to as "feet" back in the day to begin and end the barrel rollmarking to help align the stamping.
For example: they were used on many pre war guns then show up again after WW II on some models. The use of dingbats is inconsistent. Although I've never observed them on the Smith & Wesson name stamp. The rectangular with one open side looking style is actually just the usual 3 legged style but just deeply stamped. The only two styles I've observed, doesn't mean there aren't others, is the 3 legged and occasionally four legged. Those with four legs are the most similar to the Maltese Cross but the two vertical legs are thicker than the horizontal legs.
For example: they were used on many pre war guns then show up again after WW II on some models. The use of dingbats is inconsistent. Although I've never observed them on the Smith & Wesson name stamp. The rectangular with one open side looking style is actually just the usual 3 legged style but just deeply stamped. The only two styles I've observed, doesn't mean there aren't others, is the 3 legged and occasionally four legged. Those with four legs are the most similar to the Maltese Cross but the two vertical legs are thicker than the horizontal legs.
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