M&P 1905 4th Change Target Questions

[bengal fan]

Hi All,
I need your help again. I purchased this M&P 1905 4th change target today. It is in good condition, has some scratches, freckling & even some light pitting on the end of the barrel. The lock up & timing is perfect, & it has the smoothest action I've ever felt on a S&W. It came with diamond Magnums stocks, but I put those stags on it to show her off
My questions are:
First, on the left side of the frame is stamped - C.D.H 4.49.
I know the 4.49 is probably a factory return date stamp, but what does C.D.H stand for? Did S&W gunsmiths put their initials on the guns?
Second, the hammer looks to have been heated & flattened. Would that be a factory done job? The store I purchased it at said the original owner had sent it to the factory for the hammer alteration.
Lastly, S&W Standard Catalog says date of manufacture 1915-1942. Can someone help me narrow the date down a little? I know the only way to know for sure is with a factory letter. I would just like a ball park estimate. Serial# 6709xx

Thanks as always for the help!
Paul

 

[410bore]

awesome! i have that very same style hammer that came installed in a postwar K-38 even the case hardening (which is way different than the factory style) is identical!

 

[bmg60]

Hi
With a 6709XX date would put it at middle 1939 to 1940
Jim
The hammer is not a factory modification. it was done by a gun smith.
this mod would require welding some thing the factory would not do.

 

[DWalt]

SN 6709xx would put likely shipment in the late 1938-early 1939 period. I have several nearby M&P Target SN listings to support that. But only a factory letter would be exact.

 

[bengal fan]

Thanks bmg60 & DWalt for the help in narrowing down the ship date! Anyone know if the stamping C.D.H. 4.49 is a factory mark or maybe another gunsmith mark? Any thoughts?

 

[bedbugbilly]

Very nice! Looks great with those grips too!

I have one that predates that one - serial #5344XX. Mine has some wear on the finish but locks up tight and has a butter smooth trigger. It's more accurate than I am and is an awesome shooter. You are really going to enjoy that one!

Congrats on your find and enjoy!