Grandpa's S&W.38 special Military and Police 2nd Model (Model of 1902)

[lts70]

According to their website it is luckily still $50. See link

Firearm History Request - Smith & Wesson

Anyone have any good pictures of nice storage boxes? I am liking this one.

 

[JSR III]

S&W Letter of Authenticity Request Form

​

Maximum of three (3) requests per week​

Name & Address (Please Type or Print Clearly)

First
Last
Circle- Mr. Ms. Mrs.
Street
City
State & Zip Code


Description 1:
Model # (or S&W Name)
*Exact Caliber
Full Serial # (Include any letter left of #)
Barrel Length
Finish (Blue, Nickel, Stainless, Other)
Grip Shape (Square or Round)
Target (or Special) Trigger, Hammer, Front Sight?
Fixed or Adjustable Rear Sight?
Unusual (Non-Standard) Features?
Stocks (Wood, Target, etc.)
Photo or Sketch Enclosed? Circle- YES NO
Additional Comments**:




Description 2:
Model # (or S&W Name)
*Exact Caliber
Full Serial # (Include any letter left of #)
Barrel Length
Finish (Blue, Nickel, Stainless, Other)
Grip Shape (Square or Round)
Target (or Special) Trigger, Hammer, Front Sight?
Fixed or Adjustable Rear Sight?
Unusual (Non-Standard) Features?
Stocks (Wood, Target, etc.)
Photo or Sketch Enclosed? Circle- YES NO
Additional Comments**:




Description 3:
Model # (or S&W Name)
*Exact Caliber
Full Serial # (Include any letter left of #)
Barrel Length
Finish (Blue, Nickel, Stainless, Other)
Grip Shape (Square or Round)
Target (or Special) Trigger, Hammer, Front Sight?
Fixed or Adjustable Rear Sight?
Unusual (Non-Standard) Features?
Stocks (Wood, Target, etc.)
Photo or Sketch Enclosed? Circle- YES NO
Additional Comments**:




*Exact Caliber - If you don’t know the exact name of caliber, please measure length of cylinder accurately. (e.g. .38 S&W Special is exact, while .32, .38, .44, .45 are NOT exact, specific names). **Additional Comments: The more information you can supply about the gun, the more information may be forthcoming with the letter.

Enclose check payable to "Smith & Wesson" at the rate of $50 (U.S. Funds) for each gun you wish to "Letter."
Mail To: Mr. Roy G. Jinks, Historian
Smith & Wesson
P.O. Box 2208
Springfield, MA 01102



Above is a copy of the S&W historical letter request form. Remember to supply as much information about the gun as you can. The more you give the more you get.

I agree with Mike that the barrel does not look original. The font used to stamp the frame and cylinder differs from the one used on the barrel. Specifically look at the shape of the (1) and the (6) in the photos provided.

All in all a very neat gun and a very interesting and informative thread (Thanks Mike P.). That gun with all of its family history is priceless in my humble opinion. I have several guns owned by my grandfathers and my father (all gone now) that will never leave my hands while I am alive.

 

[tgd31968]

tgd31968,

Do you shoot with the N-SSA?

Yes. Northwest Territory.

It makes sense to me that BP could be differently compounded today than it was 110 years ago. Look at the difference in fouling between two modern brands, Goex and Swiss. Something about Swiss seems to make it burn less dirty, so why not a change between powder from the last 30 years, and powder 100 years ago?

 

[Muley Gil]

I shoot with the 34th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry, out of the New England region. Our membership stretches from FL to NH.

"Something about Swiss seems to make it burn less dirty..."

Seems like I remember that it is a different type of charcoal, maybe alder.

 

[1902Smith]

What's the Odds

Rob,

I'm sure it happens but what's the odds... your gun is 28069, mine is 28070. S&W model 1902 M&P 38cal 5". I call mine the ugly duck. Just have it apart right now.

 

[mikepriwer]

1902Smith

Now that's a gun that needs some TLC on its surface, he said with a smile! It's really seen some wear and tear, but I'd expect that it still functions properly.

One of the things I like, and pay attention to, is the font style of the serial numbering on the barrel, cylinder, and butt. Your gun 28070 has that beautiful curvy style of font. Look at the curves on portions of the 2 and the 7. Also look at the depth of the stamping - it's not stamped very deep at all. All in all, very classy workmanship.

It is indeed interesting that your serial number is one digit away from the other gun. It can be said, with a high degree of certainty, that for every gun made, there are two others with a serial number one digit away: one above it, and one below it. Finding those two other guns is a whole other matter!

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[Teddydog]

Rob,

I'm sure it happens but what's the odds... your gun is 28069, mine is 28070. S&W model 1902 M&P 38cal 5". I call mine the ugly duck. Just have it apart right now.

Thanks for bringing my attention to this thread! It is an old one for sure...the thread AND the revolver.

Looks like yours has even less finish than mine. Glad to see you are taking steps to conserve it.

Now...who will step up with 28068 or 71 and make it a thruple??


Rob