Correct stocks for this M&P?

[.38SuperMan]

A few months ago I purchased this nice factory nickel M&P 38 special with a set of very nice condition pearl grips. The best I can determine it was manufactured around 1920-1922 but believe it’s closer to 1920. Sorry I’m on vacation and don’t have the SN.

Members here believe the pearls are aftermarket so I was curious as to what would have come on it from the factory. If I run across a set at some time I might purchase them if the price is right.

Thanks in advance!

 

[murphydog]

It most likely had RB walnut service stocks with gold medallions, less likely hard rubber type. Only a letter of authenticity would tell you for certain.

 

[DWalt]

The serial number is needed to correctly date it. As it has a rounded butt, the original factory grips would more than likely have been black hard rubber, but having checkered wood grips would be possible. The exact style of factory wood grips would depend on the date of the revolver.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I’m on vacation for two weeks so when I return home I’ll post the number.

I appreciate your help.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I just remembered that I inquired about the date just after I bought it so I found the SN. The number is 356 6xx.

As far as a letter, it’s in very nice condition especially for its age but it’s a common everyday revolver with no real collectors value. I just guessed from the date range that it might be from 1920-22.

 

[Muley Gil]

I just remembered that I inquired about the date just after I bought it so I found the SN. The number is 356 6xx.

As far as a letter, it’s in very nice condition especially for its age but it’s a common everyday revolver with no real collectors value. I just guessed from the date range that it might be from 1920-22.

If you were a member of the S&W Collector's Association, you could ask Dr Jinks for a shipping month & year. If it were worth a factory letter, you would also get a comment like "This is an interesting revolver."

That is just one of the advantages of being an S&WCA member!

 

[.38SuperMan]

If you were a member of the S&W Collector's Association, you could ask Dr Jinks for a shipping month & year. If it were worth a factory letter, you would also get a comment like "This is an interesting revolver."

That is just one of the advantages of being an S&WCA member!

I actually have been thinking about joining. I probably won’t be a serious collector but enjoy reading about the different models and versions.

Thanks!

 

[Muley Gil]

I actually have been thinking about joining. I probably won’t be a serious collector but enjoy reading about the different models and versions.

Thanks!

That's OK. The closest thing I have to a "collection" are my 5" .44 Specials-a Triple Lock, a 2nd Model, a 3rd Model and a M27-2 converted to .44 Special. My other 5" .44 is a M544 .44-40 that has an extra .44 magnum cylinder fitted to it.

The rest of my Smiths are shooters of all different calibers-.32 Long S&Ws, two .32-20s, a couple of .38 specials, a M19 and a .38-44 Outdoorsman frame that is now wearing a M27 barrel and cylinder, a 1917, a M25-5 and 2 stainless Mountain Guns.

 

[murphydog]

For a .38 M & P, 356xxx puts it squarely in the early 1920 decade.