.38 S&W Hand Ejector?

[Alexb]

I have a question and I am new to this forum, I recently purchased a Handgun that the guy thought was a S&W .38 he said the date is 1880 on the gun and the serial number is 829, I have not received the revolver as yet and will try to post a pic of it.

This frame does not look like an 1880 from what I have read lurking on this forum so let me know what you think.

If you have any info on it let me know.

 

[murphydog]

Hi, you have a Military & Police model 1899, the very first of it's type. It does not have the forward locking point for the ejector rod of all later models. These came in .38 Special (very common) and .32/20 (not so common). It has a 4" barrel and is missing the tip of the ejector rod.

One of the patent dates stamped on the barrel may be 1880, but this was made between 1899 and 1902. The serial number you mentioned is in line with one of these early M & Ps. Please post more photos and details when you have it.

 

[mikepriwer]

I think, but not absolutely certain, that we have seen pictures of this
very gun before. As Alan points out, its a Model of 1899 .38 M&P .

Mike Priwer

 

[Alexb]

Thank you for the information. I will post pics when I receive it and verify the serial and all. I would like to see if I can not give it a new life. I like restoring stuff.

 

[Alexb]

Mike something you want to let me in on?

 

[bmcgilvray]

Thank you for the information. I will post pics when I receive it and verify the serial and all. I would like to see if I can not give it a new life. I like restoring stuff.

You might just consider giving it a good "bath" and not really tackling a restoration. Just a gentle cleaning and lubricating will give your old revolver a glow. Of course it is your gun so do as you like.

If it was made all shiny and new looking and it was lying beside an identical revolver that looked...well, like yours looks presently, I'd have no interest looking at the shiny restored one but would admiringly examine the worn original.

There's no practical, cost effective way to return it to its original factory new appearance and any other surface restoration will look false.

 

[Alexb]

I would never want to make it shiny and new looking, but give it what it needs to last for another hundred or so years. I appreciate the look of old guns and like the worn look. I want to stop the deterioration thereby giving it a modicum of restoration.

I will see if I can find an ejector nob for it and check the mechanics of it. I own a few old military rifles, so I know how to take care of them without ruining then for future generations to enjoy.

So no worries there.

 

[H Richard]

Here's a picture of the ejector knob from S/N 863X which shipped Jan. 1901. To help you locate the correct type.

 

[kobsw]

It appears the gun was re-finished at one point since I believe the Hammer and Trigger show signs that they were plated. They were origninally case hardened.

I like the gun, enjoy...

 

[Alexb]

Thank you for the photo great up close shot of it. I was searching Numrich and doing some work looking for one. Good to have a reference photo though.

 

[mikepriwer]

Alex

No - I have no secret agenda ! I just think that someone posted a
picture of that gun some time ago. I could be wrong, but that is
what I seem to recall.

As to the knob, there are some available, but the price is not cheap -
around $50. A friend of mine made some up.

Mike Priwer

 

[jsmith]

Alexb:

I seen that on Gunbroker. The low serial number caught my attention. In my opinion, it's worth the $200 you paid for it, as long as it still shoots. Parts on those 1899 models can get hard to find and cost you some money.

jsmith

 

[handejector]

It appears the gun was re-finished at one point since I believe the Hammer and Trigger show signs that they were plated. They were origninally case hardened.

I like the gun, enjoy...

No, they only show sweat darkening on "silvery" surfaces that cased parts take on with wear.
I see no signs of a refinish.

 

[kobsw]

Roger that Lee...

 

[greekbandit13]

I have a 32 hand ejector 32 with 6 patent dates from march 27 1984 to sept 14 1909--serial starting with RTGxxxx any one knows what year it was made

 

[Alexb]

I received the S&W ,38 hand ejector in the mail today. I will post some pics of it.
I think the 200.00 I paid for it is well worth it too Jsmith. I am going to strip it down and give it a good cleaning, and check the mechanics. As it sits now it locks up tight and solid. Single and Double action work well, and it does not look as though it was re-plated at any time.
Though I have only done a cursory inspection and rubbed it down with a bit of oil and wrapped it in the oil cloth so when I can I will get to taking it apart.