Correct grips for 1905

[Patrolman971]

Greeting All,
This is my very first posting. I think this is going to be a great site.
My dad recently gave me an old pistol he had in a cigar box for ever. Turns out it is a Model of 1905 4th Change. I called S&W and the historian said it was made either in 1920 or posssibly early 1921. The sn is 370XXX. It is nickel with a 4 inch barrel. I have 2 questions about this weapon.
First, what are factory grips and
Second, would the sn be on the inside of the grips ?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Patrolman971

 

[Patrolman971]

Greeting All,
This is my very first posting. I think this is going to be a great site.
My dad recently gave me an old pistol he had in a cigar box for ever. Turns out it is a Model of 1905 4th Change. I called S&W and the historian said it was made either in 1920 or posssibly early 1921. The sn is 370XXX. It is nickel with a 4 inch barrel. I have 2 questions about this weapon.
First, what are factory grips and
Second, would the sn be on the inside of the grips ?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Patrolman971

 

[cgt4570]

You didn't state whether it's a round or square butt. Round butts were standard black hard rubber, with checkered walnut optional (along with custom orders in premium materials). Serial would be scribed inside the left side grip.

For square butts, they were checkered walnut service grips. That's right at the transition period from the deep dish gold tone medallions to the smooth top convex with no medallions. (There was an overlap of the two types as supplies were exhausted). Serial would be written lightly in pencil inside the left grip. (sometimes hard or impossible to read)

Hope this helps,
Chris

 

[opoefc]

Chris is correct on his descriptions of the grips, but he's got his right & left backwards. The serial numbers would be on the back of the right grip panel, not the left.

 

[npd136]

I have a 1905 4th change and I am looking for period correct grips for it. It is a square butt 5 in blue. Am I to assume that either set would be "correct" for this gun. My serial # is 350xxx as well. Thanks.

 

[DWFAN]