Mhardy
Back in those days, different model guns had different serial number series. For the sake
of this discussion, lets just focus on three different series.
The smaller I-frame model, for 22 and 32 caliber, is the Model of 1903. While it shares
engineerng changes with other model lines, it is always in its own serial number series.
The medium frame gun, primarily for the intermediate caliber 38, is introduced in 1899.
The gun is offered in two different calibers: 38 and 32 Winchester, and the factory
elects to separate this optional chambering into two separate serial number series.
So - simultaneously, we now have three separate serial number series going.
While undergoing numerous engineering changes, the Model of 1903 retains that name
throughout its life. The Model of 1899, actually called the Military & Police Model of 1899,
has its name changed, a couple of times.
The model of 1899, which is the primary introduction of the side-swing cylinder, is unique
in that there is no front locking point for the extractor rod. In 1902, this is changed,
and a locking lug is added, under the barrel, to capture and secure the end of the extractor.
With this feature, the factory introduces the M&P Model of 1902, and drops the Model of 1899.
The two M&P serial number series do not change - they just continue on, as though nothing
has happened.
The most relevant feature of the Model of 1899 is that the gun is a round butt gun. This
is also true of the 1902. And more importantly, the factory retains this model identification
for several decades. It always means a round butt frame.
Somewhere in late 1904/early 1905, the factory introduces the square butt frame into the
M&P line. This square butt is not an optional feature of the M&P line ( like caliber ), but
rather it introduces a new model: the M&P Model of 1905 .
Henceforth, to the factory, 1905 means a square butt M&P , and 1902 means a round butt M&P.
This distinction is carried to the beginning of WW2. Post-WW2, the 1902 and 1905
designations are dropped, BUT for two more decades, there are still two separate and distinct
M&P models: one with a round butt, and one with a square butt.
Enter the collectors. For a variety of reasons, they have elected to change this
naming convention. The reasons are important, for purposes of consistency, but they
create a certain confusion relative to the factory nomenclature. To the collectors,
from about mid 1905 forward, both round-butt and square-butt models are referred to as
the Model of 1905. The collectors drop the notion of a Model of 1902.
So - its important to keep in mind that serial numbers go with models , and its very
possible to find three different models of a gun, all with the same serial number.
This explanation is purposely brief, just to focus on the naming and serial number issues.
Later, Mike Priwer
