.38 handgun

[cool-guns-2012]

I am asking for someone that doesn't know how to use a computer. They have a .38 with patented Feb 9 09, Sept 14 09, Dec 29 14. Springfield Mass. The grip is believed to be bone of some sort.
Your help would be appreciated.

 

[VaRecon]

If you could upload a larger picture, maybe through an IMG code on photobucket, someone could probably have any easier time identifying it.

 

[cool-guns-2012]

Thanks. I am a new user as of today and will try to do that now.

 

[cool-guns-2012]

Let me know if this is better. This picture will enlarge when you click on it.

 

[DWalt]

Can you provide a serial number? It should be on the bottom of the grip and/or on the bottom side of the barrel. Aside from that, it is just an earlier S&W Hand Ejector (M&P) that may or may not have been originally nickel plated and with non-original grips. Is it .38 S&W or .38 S&W Special? That should be on the side of the barrel.

It's really not an antique, and your question would have better been posted in the Hand Ejector area of this forum.

 

[cool-guns-2012]

The first 3 of the serial is 675,and it doesn't say that it is a .38 S&W Special. The current owner has had it for about 45 year and received it with these grips and nickle plated.How would I find out what year this was made and what deems a gun to be an antique? Thanks

 

[Art Doc]

It appears to be a Military & Police Model as best as I can see. The caliber should be stamped on the barrel. You say the serial begins with 675 but how many digits are there in total? Any letters in front of the numbers? It matters. Appears to have been nickel plated at some point. S&W never plated hammers and triggers so this is a sure sign of a refinish. The stocks could be "jigged bone" or may be plastic replicas of same. These were popular in the 1950s-1960s.

Assuming the serial is 675XXX with no letter prefix and the caliber is 38 S&W Special my guess would be around 1930 for a date of manufacture.

The gun is not rare and in this condition it is worth maybe $200 or so as a shooter. A seller will claim it's a rare variation and price it at $600 but that would be hokum.

Under federal law a gun made before 1898 is an antique. A gun over 50 years old is a "Curio & Relic" if it hasn't been modified. Not sure if the ATF considers refinishing as being modified.

 

[glowe]

It appears to be a Military & Police Model as best as I can see. The caliber should be stamped on the barrel. Appears to have been nickel plated at some point. S&W never plated hammers and triggers so this is a sure sign of a refinish. The stocks could be "jigged bone" or may be plastic replicas of same. These were popular in the 1950s-1960s.

Assuming the serial is 675XXX with no letter prefix and the caliber is 38 S&W Special my guess would be around 1930 for a date of manufacture.

Take a look at the OPs second picture. It does not look like the hammer and trigger are plated and the barrel states 38 Special. Markings and edges seem quite sharp, so maybe original nickel finish.

There should be a N stamped under the stocks or on the bottom flat of the barrel. If so, it was originally a nickel gun. Check to see that all serial numbered parts match. One under the barrel, one on the inside of the star, one on the back of the cylinder and one on the butt.

I agree with SaxonPig that this is probably a Model 1895, 4th Change, but it does have the large logo on the right side instead of the small logo under the thumb latch?

 

[Art Doc]

After enlarging the photo I agree the H & T appear unplated. Very well could be original finish. The stocks also look like real bone to me rather than plastic. Model 1905 and not 1895 which is what happens when your fingers get off a key.

Make it $350 instead of $200.

 

[linde]

. . . I agree with SaxonPig that this is probably a Model 1895, 4th Change . . .

Suspect you meant to say . . . a Model 1905, 4th Change.

Russ

 

[cool-guns-2012]

I understand that it's hard to tell from the picture but I can assure you that the grip isn't plastic and it hasn't been plated. Thanks for the information and I may try finding someone local to look at it.

 

[JP@AK]

Guys
I cannot see the cylinder stop retaining screw. Does it have one? Using a magnifying glass, I could not spot it.
What is strange is that even if the serial number is only 5 digits (675xx) that would still tend to put it across the line into the 5 screw guns.
I agree with SP - stocks look like bone (stag?) to me and the trigger and hammer appear to be unplated.
Jack

To the OP: is there a screw in the front of the trigger guard? And what is the complete serial number? You just make us play guessing games when you say "the first three" and leave it at that. If you don't want to give the whole number, at least fill in the blanks by putting in an x for each missing digit.
Thanks.

 

[DCWilson]

Yes, .38 Mililtary & Police, or Model of 1905/fourth change if you want to use collectors' terminology. The barrel-shaped knob on the ejector rod and the large logo on the sideplate point to manufacture in the late 1930s. That is consistent with a six digit serial number beginning 675. The same serial number should be seen on the rear face of the cylinder and the flat underside of the barrel.

I think the finish is original. I agree with a valuation in the $350 range, maybe as high as $400.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

OP you are welcome to take it to someone local because folks here speculated based on insufficient information and poor pictures. But, I assure you, you will not get the depth of information you will get here. And, expert advice here is free.