.38 Military & Police Target Model 1905 4th Change

[Dino44]

I saw this yesterday at an area gun shop. It looks incredible in person. Anything that appears to be blemishes, are my fingerprints or lint from an oily rag wipe down. I'm a bit confused about the stocks. My 4th edition copy, states gold medallions were used, but many comments and pictures shown from other forum members, indicate silver medallions. I did see one photo that had gold. I did ask the vendor if the stocks were original because the checkering appeared slightly more used, as compared with the finish of the gun. Plus, the wood grain appeared more porous to me. My 1931 K-22 Outdoorsman stocks appear tighter with sharper checkering. He said he would remove the stocks to check, if I was seriously interested in buying it, but I was not prepared to pop for $1500.00 at that moment, without doing some homework. Here are a couple of cell phone photos. Serial number is 6523XX. Rear sight has two screws forward of the square notch sight blade and one screw on the forward end of the sight mounting leaf.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

It likely shipped mid-1935. Grip medallions in that period were chrome plated (silver). $1500 is pretty stout unless there is serious provenance that goes with it.

 

[glowe]

Dished gold medallion was produced only in the 1910s. 1930 was the introduction of the silver medallion and, yes most stocks in the 1930s were lighter walnut like mine. Look for a pencil serial number on the inside of the stocks. That one, 659371 shipped in December 1935. You have a nice condition K22 Outdoorsman's revolver, but I agree with Guy, pricey. There were 17,000 to 19,000 made.

 

[Dino44]

This is my K-22 Outdoorsman, serial # 632222. Thank you for the clarification on the stocks. That is a shame because that .38 Military & Police Target Model 1905 4th Change is as nice as they come otherwise.

 

[wheelgun610]

For what it's worth, the stocks and medallions on that .38 Target look like the correct type with some discoloration on the medallions that would likely clean off fairly easily. It's also possible that the plating was removed and all that remains is the brass.
I agree that $1500 is more than I'd expect that gun to sell for, but I also haven't looked into what they're actually selling for these days as I'm not actively in the market for one. All I know is that that's over a thousand more than I paid for mine, but I've had mine probably over 20 years. This one is in the 649000 range.

 

[paplinker]

It's also possible that the plating was removed and all that remains is the brass.

View attachment 790118

I think this also. I type too slow

 

[glowe]

You are absolutely correct. I thought I saw a dished appearance on the OP's stocks, but they are brass that have lost their plating. Plus, most 1930s K frame stocks had smaller medallions than the 1910s. Comparisons are below.

So they could well be original, but look for a serial number on the inside of the right stock. Is a touchup with silver paint possible??????

 

[wheelgun610]

You are absolutely correct. I thought I saw a dished appearance on the OP's stocks, but they are brass that have lost their plating...

After looking at the enlarged photo, I'm even more convinced that the medallions just have some kind of yellowish residue on them. A Q-tip with a drop of isopropyl alcohol would most likely remove whatever the discoloration is.
But, the fact remains that the gun is still over priced. I guess it depends on how bad a person wants it.

 

[Dino44]

I see what you mean. I have this 32 20, that I recall dates to 1914. The medallion is definitely more dished and larger than the gun I saw at the gun shop.

 

[Dino44]

The next time I visit that shop, I will point out the discoloration of the medallions and ask for the stocks to be removed for verification. I did ask if there was room for negotiation, but the shop owner said it was on consignment, and the owner was not likely to go lower.