Help identify my SW 38spl hand ejector

[Masterorion]

Hi all. It's been awhile since I've logged in that I had to create a new account. Lol

Anyway, I just picked up what I believe is a 1905 hand ejector but it lacks the screw in the trigger guard. So now I'm stumped.

There's no model # on the yoke/frame just assembly #.
Serial number on grip bottom is 32086 as best as I can read. No letter prefix.
Caliber 38 SW Spl
4 inch barrel pinned
Fixed sights
4 screws on side plate
Round butt no lanyard ring
Strain screw on front strap

EDIT
Finally got around to editing the size of these photos. Not the best, sorry. After cleaning and viewing in better light there actually is a tiny bit of surface rust. You can also see that big ugly spot where the finish is gone. No idea about that. Probably some solvent (brake cleaner?) got dropped on it. The internals were gummed up but otherwise in good shape. Everything locks up tight and seems to time just fine. It's a shooter for sure!

 

[Texas Star]

A specialist collector will see this and help.

Round butt? Gold medallion grips? Maybe 1905-1912?

Photo needed, but serial no. may tell the tale. I doubt the cylinder is heat treated. I think that arrived ca. 1921 at over 316,000 serial no.

I'm not a serious collector and do not portray one on TV...but you're at the right aid station. The doctor will see you shortly.

 

[Masterorion]

Black plastic S&W grips

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome back.

You have a .38 Military & Police 2nd Model (Model 1902). It probably shipped around 1903. The grips are hard rubber, not plastic.

 

[Babysitr]

Sounds like a model of 1902 2nd.....welcome back from Illinois.

 

[jmace57]

That serial number would likely make it a Model of 1902 probably somewhere in 1903 or 04. I have S/N 23739 and it is Nov, 1902
Does it say anything about 38 Long CTG on the side of the barrel?

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

 

[Masterorion]

Wow! I can't believe I stumbled on this one. I got it from a friend for $200. It had been taking up space on his shelf for several years with no interest. It's not in the best shape but at least it's not all rusted. Very minor surface rust on a few spots. Blue is worn down a lot on the grip straps. Every other part still shines nice. Cylinder has strong drag mark wear so whoever had it before certainly used it. I'll post pics when I can get on my computer and edit the photo size.

 

[murphydog]

I think this one was made prior to the introduction of the fifth frame screw, and it is sometimes called a "pre-5 screw 4 screw" frame.

 

[Masterorion]

Guys, thanks so much for the help. One more question for detail stripping. I heard the early guns had a different thread direction for the cylinder/ejector rod. Since I haven't touched a modern S&W in quite awhile I forgot, but which direction does the ejector rod twist for my 1902?

 

[murphydog]

It is right hand threaded, so lefty loosey as normal.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Please don't put pliers directly on the knurled knob. I clamp a wooden clothespin over the knob, then clamp that with vice grips or angle jawed pliers to loosen the rod. Also, your knob may come loose as I believe these were threaded on on the early models. If so, you may have to clamp the shaft instead.