1st Model M&P 4 Inch

[GRI]

This is my First Model M&P and it is most likely first year (1899) by serial number, 6678. It is in 90 percent original nickel condition. All markings are crisp and clear and it is in .38 Special but lacks any caliber markings. So there is no confusion, it is NOT a refinished gun and is 100 percent correct right down to its original mint grips.

 

[GRI]

The other side

 

[GRI]

Top of the gun

 

[GRI]

Bottom of the gun

 

[S&W ucla]

Nice Catch!!

 

[Absalom]

I think it's considerably more likely to have shipped in 1900. I looked at a Model 1899 not too long ago in the 8000-range that shipped in 1901, and the only lettered 1899-shipped guns I remember coming across here had triple-digit serials. Mike Priwer is our 1899 expert, he may have better insights if he notices this thread.

 

[GRI]

I think it's considerably more likely to have shipped in 1900. I looked at a Model 1899 not too long ago in the 8000-range that shipped in 1901, and the only lettered 1899-shipped guns I remember coming across here had triple-digit serials. Mike Priwer is our 1899 expert, he may have better insights if he notices this thread.

I think you may be right

 

[merl67]

I think it's considerably more likely to have shipped in 1900. I looked at a Model 1899 not too long ago in the 8000-range that shipped in 1901, and the only lettered 1899-shipped guns I remember coming across here had triple-digit serials. Mike Priwer is our 1899 expert, he may have better insights if he notices this thread.

Mike is keeping a database on these in regards to caliber marked verses non caliber marked ones in hope of narrowing down when the caliber marking started.

 

[GRI]

Mike is keeping a database on these in regards to caliber marked verses non caliber marked ones in hope of narrowing down when the caliber marking started.

I think that this somewhat inexplicable absence of caliber markings may be tied to the development of the .38 Special cartridge. Considering that the lack of caliber markings is extremely unusual at this point in Smith and Wesson production and cannot be attributed to something as trivial as a broken die or poor quality control.