1905 .38 Special

[glowe]

Thanks Mike - obviously the issue remains a conundrum. BTW - What is the deal with the staples used in the D-3 catalog? Mine are just like yours - rusty and pages are loose.

On another note, I have a M&P with serial number 100007, which Roy states a ship date of 1905. Does that sound correct to you or should I ask Roy to check again? I assume, since it is a round butt that it would be classified as a Model 1902.

 

[DWalt]

"You'll get an argument about the purpose of heat treated steel. It definitely wears better because it is harder, but it is also a little stronger for metallurgical reasons that I don't really understand."

There is no argument. It is a metallurgical fact. Heat treating increases both hardness and tensile strength of the steel. The degree to which that occurs depends upon the specific steel alloy used. Hardness and tensile strength are very closely correlated.

 

[mikepriwer]

Glowe

I would have expected late 1907 or early 1908, for s/n 100007, but 1905 is not out
of the question. The frames were serial-numbered in batches, and then stored in
bins or barrels until needed for final processing and assembly into revolvers. This
storage process is best described as first-in, last-out. Or, last-in, first-out. This is
why we see later-number frames being shipped earlier than we would expect.

If its a round butt, its a Model of 1902. However, it may letter as a 1905, which it is
not. This is the resolution of the conflict that faced the (early) S&WCA members, in
their quest for an engineering-change orientation.

Earlier in this thread, someone raised the point that, since the naming of the models
was changed around 1920, maybe the lettering methodology ought to be changed, as
well. I disagree with that idea: the gun should be identified by the factory name at
the time it was made/shipped. Otherwise, there would be mass confusion . I mean-
K-frames have survived for 110 years, or so, and have had name changes from time
to time. Identifying a gun made in 1910 by its current name in 2010 would be a
disaster !

And yes - all my old catalogs that have staples have rusty ones !

Regards, Mike

 

[glowe]

Thanks Mike - I feel more comfortable with the date as supplied by Roy now. I don't know if you have the price list for the 1923 catalog, but in case you do not, I am attaching them. I would love to pick up a few 1923 S&Ws for the prices quoted!

 

[sgms]

All just one more of the things that make collecting S&W so much fun.

 

[mikepriwer]

Glowe

Thanks for posting those two D-3 price lists. I didn't have them. My D-3 catalog
came with the original mailing envelope, but a retail price list for the D-2 catalog.

Regards, Mike