Early M&P Target

[Photog]

Looking at an M&P Target, serial number range of 488***. A couple of questions: it has been refinished in a matte type finish, and there is evidence of minor pitting, which I think is why it was refinished, but my question is that the cylinder has almost a "bronze" color to it. Hard to explain, and wasn't able to take pics. Any idea of what could cause this? Next question, there is a 5 point star stamped on the bottom of the butt immediately after, and in line with, the serial number. I couldn't take the grips off, so not sure of any markings on the frame. This doesn't look like any matte finish I have seen on a S&W.
I know that sometimes refinished pistols were marked with a star on the flats of the grip frames under the grips, but haven't heard one next to the serial number. I am looking at this as a shooter, so just would like some opinions. Thanks in advance.

 

[murphydog]

The "rework star" indicates a trip back to the factory for major work, including but not limited to a refinish. It sounds that either it was not refinished as you describe this one, or was redone again.

The odd cylinder color is likely due to a different bluing method than the rest of the gun, either the chemical composition or temperature.

 

[Photog]

Appreciate the answer.

 

[reddog81]

Sounds like the refinish might have worn off the cylinder and now it's just patina. AKA light coat of rust.

 

[Photog]

Sounds like the refinish might have worn off the cylinder and now it's just patina. AKA light coat of rust.

Not rust. Uniform on color entire cylinder. Never seen patina that color, and especially that uniform on color.

 

[opoefc]

You're looking at a 100 yr old gun, that's been to the factory probably more than once, with maybe a stop at Bubba's gun shop in-between! The different colors seen are usually because the frame metal and the cylinder metal are two different types and respond to refinishing with different colors. Not unusual with older S&Ws. A star stamp on the butt is more common for refinished guns than a star stamp under the stocks on the grip frame. A date code should be stamped under the stocks also, indicating the month & year the work was done, sometimes there's more than one date there, indicating multiple trips to the factory. Ed

 

[Photog]

opefc
Thanks! If I get it I will post pics

 

[glowe]

The number puts the gun in the late 1920s, not really "early" in pre-WWII collectors minds. A common collector name for that revolver would be 38 Military & Police (Hand Ejector), 4th Change. 4th Change guns were made from 1915 to 1942 with almost a half-million revolvers made in this model. One example, 489,XXX is known to have shipped shipped in 1927. Target K frames started manufacture in 1899 with the 1st Model 1899 and target revolvers were available amongst the earliest examples of K frame 38 Special revolvers made.

From talking with seasoned gunsmiths who reblue guns, the plum cylinder is often a result of using the same bluing method and time in tank as the rest of the gun parts. In the late teens, S&W started hardening the cylinders on their revolvers. This resulted in a very hard durable steel that resisted bluing. In order to assure a deep bluing, these gunsmiths would leave cylinder in the tank longer than the frame. Sime late teens and early 1920s factory finished guns show the plum color the cylinder, probably because of not enough time in the bluing bath. I assume the factory noticed this, and eventually changed their process.

As far as bluing process is concerned, it is an oxidation process that is technically a rusting process. I believe that the plum color that some cylinders show is because of too thin a layer of blue protection and oxidation of the steel under the blue over time.

 

[Photog]

glowe:
Thank you for the additional information.