Hi all, pls help me identify my first S&W

[JP@AK]

I believe the pre-WWI K-frames had the large S&W logo stamped on the sideplate

They did. Here is a picture of two of them. The top unit, a .32-20 HE Target, shipped in March, 1904; the bottom unit, a .38 M&P Target, shipped in April, 1908.

 

[steelslaver]

Sounds plausible. It was a steal, so I don't mind it having no value as a collectible. All I do care about is that it is safe to shoot.

Thank you very much guys.

I see nothing that would make me hesitate to shoot it if it passed some basic tests. When you slowly cock the hammer, does the bolt that locks the cylinder from turning pop in place before hammer locks completely back? How much forward to back movement does cylinder have, Less than say .003"

Although your gun has been modified every bit of it appears to be well done. I would shot it. Enjoy.

 

[glowe]

I believe the pre-WWI K-frames had the large S&W logo stamped on the sideplate, S&W stopped stamping logos during WWI, small (dime size) logo stamp on frame began in 1920, continued until 1937 when large logo stamping on sideplate began again . . .

The 1937 logo is different than the pre-WWI logo. Pictures below are both eras, showing the sideplate stamps. The 1937 and later stamp added a line: "REG. US PAT. OFF." First is a 1907 M&P and the second is a 1940 M&P Target.

 

[A.Brown]

Parts gun

Consider this possibility gentlefolk. Frame from one gun. Side plate from another. Barrel from another. Blank never issued cylinder and yoke. All put together by a talented smith in a country where handgun ownership is difficult at best. Non matching numbers would make it difficult if not impossible to trace. Huge mystery, yes. unexplainable, no.