Help with Pre-War M&P

[prisoner6]

I have recently come across a Pre-War M&P from an estate. More of a rescue really. Would have been turned in to local police to be destroyed if I hadn't gotten it. Finish is weel worn, but lock up is good and all seems mechanically very sound. Serial is 404xxx, and matches on frame, cylinder, and barrel. Small S&W logo on latch side, no frame markings on other side. No "Made In USA" markings. Grips have silver medallions? Front sight seems like it should be round, but is not, possibly modified? I looked in my SCSW and it seems to be all over the place. Pics attached, any help or info on possible age or mods appreciated.

 

[prisoner6]

I have recently come across a Pre-War M&P from an estate. More of a rescue really. Would have been turned in to local police to be destroyed if I hadn't gotten it. Finish is weel worn, but lock up is good and all seems mechanically very sound. Serial is 404xxx, and matches on frame, cylinder, and barrel. Small S&W logo on latch side, no frame markings on other side. No "Made In USA" markings. Grips have silver medallions? Front sight seems like it should be round, but is not, possibly modified? I looked in my SCSW and it seems to be all over the place. Pics attached, any help or info on possible age or mods appreciated.

 

[mikepriwer]

The gun is about 1922 or so, the grips are from the 1930 to 1940 period,
so they are not the correct grips - not that it makes much difference.
The front sight was originally a rounded half-moon shape, so someone has
modified it somewhat. And, there is not much finish left.

It probably barely a $100 gun, but presuming the barrel is not worn out,
and the cylinder is still within reasonable specification , it could be
something to shoot. On the other hand, if the lockwork parts are not
worn too much, the hammer and trigger and the rest of the parts are worth
something. Of course, there are lots of parts available, so the gun is
not exactly a parts gold-mine.

If its a decent shooter, you could consider having the barrel cut to, say
3 1/4", and have the front sight remounted. It would be a bit more unique,
but still not worth much.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[prisoner6]

Thanks for the info. Most of that matches what I thought, it just didn't all jive with the book. I placed it as a 1905 4th change? But those should have the "Made in USA" I think.

I'm not concerned about the value, I didn't expect it to have much value, it was just I hated to see this guy's Grandfathers gun go to the melter. I'm a sucker for the history cases. Also, if it's worth $100, that's double what I paid for it.

 

[XavierBreath]

The "Made In USA" mark appeared in May, 1922. Prior to that date, there were no markings placed on that area of the frame by the factory.

I agree with Mike on the rest. Nice score for $50!

 

[mikepriwer]

It may or may not be worth $100, but its probably worth more that $50, particularly
if it shoots reasonably well.

Here is what I would do with it :

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[dbarale]

There you go Mike, in the flesh (steel?)
Just finished it, I listened to your advice and kept the barrel 1/2" longer than I originaly intended.

Prisoner, I'll be driving through Charlotte in a couple weeks, if you want to double your money...

 

[mikepriwer]

Daniel

Your's has very nice balance. Next time, set the front sight
back another 1/8" - so that it looks a registered magnum barrel !

That is good work.

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[Deacon KC]

I love those old rescues, I'm a sucker myself. All joking aside, if you ever decide to part with it, let me know, Ive got it's cousin right here.

 

[prisoner6]

Thanks for all of the info guys. I'm going to pick up some nice lead .38s (thought I had some sitting around) and see how she shoots. I doubt I'll do any mods, though I love how yours looks Daniel!

 

[prisoner6]

...Of course if you wanted to trade that nice one with the shortened barrel, I'd have to listen.

Seriously, who did the barrel shortening? I wouldn't mind doing that to mine at all.

 

[dbarale]

Originally posted by prisoner6:
...Of course if you wanted to trade that nice one with the shortened barrel, I'd have to listen.

Seriously, who did the barrel shortening? I wouldn't mind doing that to mine at all.

I did it myself. It turned out pretty good. It started out as a twice bulged 5", a forum member gifted me a later 6" nickel barrel.
I cut the 6" to 3.25" then fitted it and reinstalled the front sight. Just cold blued right now but I'm thinking about a matched pair that I would have properly refinished. If I can find a second one cheap enough I might very well do it.
A couple before and after pics there:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/540103904/m/9141065152/p/1

 

[prisoner6]

If you ever decide you wanted to do another one for a fee, I may be interested with this one.

 

[dbarale]

Well, I am NOT a gunsmith, just a tinkerer. I could probably do a second one but I would like for you to see this one first before you make a decision. My email is my profile if you decide to do it. Like I say I will be in Charlotte within the next two weeks.
As for a fee, again I am not a gunsmith so I wouldn't take money but we might be able to work a trade or something...