32/20 HE Model 1905 4th Target Stocks.
The serial no. is 120xxx
Should the stocks have medallions and would the serial no. be stamped or written in pencil?

The wrap around target stocks were not available from the factory back then. The stocks would likely be the convex non-medallion variety, and the SN would likely be penciled inside the right grip panel. The gun probably shipped in the 1920s with the SN of 120XXX.

This below revolver from my collection, a 1905 4th change 32-20 target, has the correct grip type that I described. This gun with SN 114XXX shipped in 1924.

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}-----Jim----->
~SWCA #2732~

Thank you. It looks very similar to the example I'm looking at. May I ask a few more questions?
Are your front and back straps serrated with 7 lines or are they both smooth?
The front sight is pinned however, it looks as if it's one piece forged with the barrel and not mounted to a base. Is yours similar?

The serrated straps did not begin until the 1930s IIRC - my gun has smooth front and back straps. In this era, the front sights were all pinned. The front sight on this gun is the so called "round top blade" - I'm assuming your gun has a different front sight?

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}-----Jim----->
~SWCA #2732~

Thanks again for the information. The front and back strap on this example are also smooth and the front sight also looks the same as yours.

Please check you email.

The answer to the second part of your question is that up until at least the end of the 1920's, the S/N was hand written in pencil on the inside of the right stock panel. I've personally never seen any non-medallion stocks with the S/N stamped.

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

As wheelgun610 and Göring's S&W posted:

Stock #s, stamped since 1857, changed to penciled #s c. 1900 and back to stamped #s in 1929 (except hard rubbers which can be penciled, stamped or scratched on).

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Yes. This is cool. A while back I bought an ANIB .32 HE from 1915. I was surprised to find the hard black rubber stocks had the serial number stamped on the inside of the right panel. I didn't expect that.

Thanks Jim.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Thanks all for your helpful comments.

Per Neal/Jinks "Target models were made with front and rear tangs serrated beginning August 14, 1923. The trigger was also grooved starting at this date." Hope it helps