What is it?

[AB255]

Let me first say I know nothing about guns. This gun belonged to my late husband who inherited it from his step father. Please look at the pictures and tell me if you can date it as well as give me an idea of the model.
There are only 2 identifying markings - the first is the 2 digit serial number on the bottom of the handle and on the barrel it says SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. USA PAT'D JULY 1, 84 APRIL 9, 89 MAY 21, 95 JULY 16, 95 AUG. 4, 90 DEC. 22, 96 OCT. 4, 98

[murphydog]

Welcome! This is a Military & Police revolver from 1899. These came in .38 Special (more commonly) or .32/20 Winchester. If you can find a .38 Special round and it fully seats in the cylinder, it is one of those. Literally millions of the same basic design have been produced, and the same basic model is still being made called the model 10.

[DWalt]

I can't get the pictures to enlarge, but it appears to be the Model of 1899, or First Model, Hand Ejector. Made from 1899-1902, with 5311 made in .32-20 and 20,975 in .38 Special. I can't tell which caliber this one is. With a 2-digit serial number, it is very early. It's fairly rare, historic, and collectors love them. We'd like to be able to see it better to tell you more.

[AB255]

Thanks for the quick reply and the info. I will work on getting some better pictures posted.

[AB255]

Here are some more pictures of the gun. Also, the barrel measures 4 3/8" and someone has told me they thought it was a .32/20. I was considering requesting the history from S&W is that a good thing to have?

[murphydog]

If you measure the full barrel length (cylinder face to muzzle) my guess is will be 5", a standard length. A factory letter will give you a history of the model and when this one left the factory; you'll want to confirm the caliber, however, or the historian will not know to look up the .32/20 or .38 with that serial number.

[Wiregrassguy]

I don't think that is a S&W. I've looked at the ejector rod and the knurled end is not like a 1st Model. I suppose it could have been replaced with a different end. Also the cartouche on the stocks doesn't look right to me. May be old eyes, but I think this is a copy.

Is the left side barrel stamped "38 S&W Special CTG & U.S. Service CTG?"

[glowe]

Guy, looks legit to me. It seems that many 1899s lost their end knob and had some replacement fashioned. There is someone on this forum that has machined replacements for sale.

You have a well worn example of an important model in the history of S&W and many would pay to own that one. If you have a caliper or a good method to measure the bore, check it to see if it reads .311 or .357 and that will tell you the caliber.

[Wiregrassguy]

Okay, Gary, you're certainly more qualified to determine that than me.

[handejector]

It is definitely an S&W.

If you show us a good clear pic of the front of the cylinder, we can probably tell you what caliber it is.

[DWalt]

Will a regular wooden pencil or cheap ball-point pen go down the barrel easily, a sloppy fit?

[glowe]

Originally Posted by DWalt

Will a regular wooden pencil or cheap ball-point pen go down the barrel easily, a sloppy fit?

I had to check that one. My Ticonderoga No.2 with the chewed eraser head is .295" dia.

[gordonrick]

I use a grease pencil (AKA china marking pencil) - tight but good field expedient range rod for .38 SPL