Hi, my name is Becky, from the UK. I was hoping someone could help me gain a bit more history for this Smith & Wesson M&P 1905 Revolver. Such as year, what some of the markings mean?
I have the original box with a newspaper dated 1903 but not sure if this corresponds to the date of manufacture.
Serial number is 28xxx, and it’s a 4” model.
Many thanks.

Attached Images

	IMG_2089.jpg (87.0 KB, 139 views)
	IMG_2088.jpg (110.6 KB, 109 views)
	IMG_2091.jpg (55.5 KB, 106 views)

Welcome to the Forum, Becky.

You have a .38 Military and Police, 2nd Model, revolver, also known as a Model of 1902. It probably shipped from the factory around 1903-04.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Becky, please get those rubber grips off that poor gun as soon as possible, and let's hope you don't find a great deal of rust under them...It seems you already have the correct grips in the pic...The newspaper is a great addition to whatever provenance you can add to it, such as a letter of authenticity from the SWHF...And welcome to our forum......Ben

__________________
Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

Welcome to the Forum, Becky! Do you know the history of this revolver? Did you acquire it from someone or is it a family heirloom? I ask that only because I cannot see any of the UK's usual import and proof stamps (crowns, lions, initials, etc.). Those markings on the top of the barrel that you asked about are the patent dates for when Smith & Wesson applied for particular patents with the U.S. government. When you open the cylinder, you may see other markings inside the yoke/crane area...these could be the serial number or inspectors' stamps. Same thing on the front or back of the cylinder itself. S&W (and U.S. firearms in general) did not apply all of the proof stamps and marks that you normally see on European firearms, including those firearms imported into the UK. It appears to me that your revolver is a U.S. revolver and was never officially imported into the UK. It's a fine vintage revolver with its original stocks (grips), and is probably a fine shooter. I have lived in the UK, and I know of the strict regulations for owning handguns...do you have the proper paperwork? I wouldn't want to see you in trouble with the UK govt.

Hi Becky,
Welcome aboard. A decent old gun!
I have a feeling you are in the US?
You have a Model 1902 .38 M&P as others said.
The right grip should have the serial number scratched or stamped on the back. Be careful putting them on the gun and taking them off- they can break! I would also get the rubber OFF of it.

The box is the correct type for your gun. You might be able to see the serial number written in pencil on the bottom at one end.
If you are still in the UK, can you tell if the paper is US or British?
Either way, I would not store the gun on the newspaper. Newspaper is high acid usually. It also attracts moisture. Regular old wax paper from the kitchen would be a better choice.

__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Becky

Beautiful Model of 1902. The picture of the box tells me that it needs some restorative repair. Gary Lowe <[email protected]> is the person to contact about this. He is an expert at repairing the damage, but does not disturb the character of the box.

Mike Priwer

Isn't it extremely difficult to legally own almost every type of firearm in the UK?

Hi guys, many thanks for the information, and advice.
To answer a few questions.. Yes I’m from the UK, and yes I’m aware of UK gun laws, as I’m a registered firearms dealer here. We have special licences for hand guns with historic interest. I know the history of the gun for the past 20 years but not much before that.

I don't know about what the UK considers historic. In the USA, that one would not be classified as an "Antique" as it was manufactured after 1898, i.e., it is a "Modern" gun under federal law as it does not meet other requirements for exclusion.

You could put everything I know about UK firearms law in a thimble and still have room for your thumb.

I do, however, know from my British friends that the term “historic” is…complicated. For some guns the cutoff date is 1919, but there are guns that are more (in some cases much more) modern that fit the category.

__________________
Mark Lathem

I assume that you and the gun are in England? The newspaper that is lining the bottom of the box looks like it's a US newspaper.

Assuming the gun is in England, are there any import or export or proof markings anywhere on the gun? When, or how, did it get to England? (I'm just curious.)

Mike Priwer

It seems that in the UK, guns considered historic or antique:
Made prior to 1919
Must be part of a collection
Must use ammunition unavailable in the UK (list of verboten calibers provided)