Hello all,

The story goes that my grandfather was given this by a police officer. Please help me identify this old gal. Thank you.

It looks likes a Model of 1905, 4th change, and from the emblems on the grips it was made around 1920. What is the caliber designation on the barrel? .38 S&W Spl.? Spl is short for Special.

The gun looks rather good and appears to have a 6 inch barrel.
If the caliber is .38 Special, Standard or target .38 Special loads would be okay to shoot, but I would have a gunsmith or someone very knowledgeable about Smith & wesson revolvers check it out first.

Nice gun! I agree with Bill's ID, but I think maybe mid-1919. Certainly no later than 1920/21. This was before the cylinders were heat treated, so no +P ammo.

A factory letter would provide the exact date and to where it was shipped. If you plan to keep it in the family (as I hope you do), it might be worth the $50 and 4 month wait, especially if you think it might have originally shipped to a local police department.

I don't see many old 6" M&P's around here. I'll bet it is a great shooter. Those gold medallion grips are getting a little hard to find so hang on to them. They may or may not have the serial number penciled on the back of the right grip panel, but they are period correct for that serial number. The grips changed shortly after this one was made.

The lack of S&W logo is common for the early post-WWI guns.

Rick

Your M&P would be from early to mid-1919. Heat treating began at SN 316648, 9/1919. It will be safe to shoot with standard velocity lead bullet ammunition.

"Given by a police officer" could mean several things. Back in the day, it was not at all unusual for cops to keep seized guns used in crimes after they had been used as trial evidence, and some cops amassed huge gun collections that way. Rather than spending $50 on a letter that probably won't tell you much, it might be better to spend $100 to rehabilitate your grips. They need it.

Yes, it is a "38 S&W SPECIAL CTG"

Yes, this gun will never leave my family. This will go next to my father's Colt Python duty weapon.

Can you please explain this process? The grips don't look too bad in my opinion. Some of the flaws give it character but I would like to keep it in condition as a collector would.


Thanks for all the comments guys. It's exciting acquiring a family firearm this old and learning about it.

Grips match the serial.