.38 Special 5 screw

[maxwell8491]

Hi everyone, I recently inherited a Smith and Wesson .38 special 5 screw. It seems to be in real nice shape, but I can't find a model number on it anywhere. I haven't fired it, but all the moving parts seem to move smoothly. I'm trying to find out more about it and what it may be worth. I don't know if this helps but the serial number is 434112.

I've attached 2 pictures as well. Thanks in advance for any information.

 

[mh51]

Its a .38 Military & Police model of 1905 - 4th change. Made between 1915-1942. If the grips are correct, I imagine its from about the mid-1920's. Someone else will be along shortly who can narrow down the ship date for you.
There were thousands made during that time frame, so I think $750-900
would be reasonable. It appears to be in nice condition.
Hope you enjoy it!

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the cotton and peanut covered plains of the Wiregrass!

 

[chief38]

Mike is spot on! I'd say about 1924 - 1927. His assessment (exact model) is also spot on!

 

[Absalom]

The gun looks to be in nice shape, with period-correct stocks, although from these pictures I can‘t exclude a refinish, but it could be the lighting.

It was likely made in earlier 1923. Attached picture is 450345, shipped in May 1923.

 

[DWalt]

From my SN list I would agree with 1923 as a shipping date. But S&W did not ship in SN order so yours could be earlier or later. The closest I show is 437448 which shipped in 4/23.

 

[bill-in-texas]

Welcome Maxwell!
You’ve been given the requested information, already but I will say that’s a nice inheritance you received. Most of us have to go “on the hunt” for fine examples such as yours.
-Bill

 

[wheelgun610]

Is the tip of the hammer broken off? It might just be an optical illusion from the way it's placed for the photos. Otherwise, it appears to be in very good condition for a gun that's nearly a hundred years old.

Mark

 

[maxwell8491]

No Probably just me not taking a good photo.

 

[maxwell8491]

Model Number

It looks like I found the model number inside the cylinder yoke. It read 66481. Would that tell us anything more?

Thanks for everyones help.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Your M&P did not have a model number since S&W didn't implement them until 1957. The number you found is known as an "assembly number" that was used during manufacture to keep fitted parts together. Your gun is referred to as Mike said in post #2, the .38 Military & Police, Model 1905, 4th Change. After several more engineering changes to its configuration it was designated the Model 10 in 1957.

 

[maxwell8491]

Ok thank you sir!