M&P question

[v-carl]

I recently read a thread,about a 1917 model,someone wrote on the thread that at some time period the trade mark stamp for smith was held to speed up production of military guns,could someone share some of this history,what was the time period,did this effect all gun production,I have a 1905 4th change,it has no trademark stamp or 1 line address,it is nickel but has no n or b anywhere,it does have the maltese cross emblem. Thanks

 

[opoefc]

v-carl, Smith & Wessons always are turning up with markings, or no markings, that defy the 'norms." What that tells us is " There are no norms." Stampings have started and stopped at times for various reasons, such as not being a necessary step for a military contract gun, or the particular die was unavailable the day the gun would have been stamped, or stamping of the logo on a side plate was discontinued because it was found to be distorting the side plate due to the pressure of the die stamp hitting the side plate too hard, etc. What is the serial number of your Model 1904, 4th change? It maybe too early to have an N stamp, if it's original nickel. Ed.

 

[DCWilson]

I'm thinking your M&P probably dates to 1919. In late 1917 and through 1918 the company was making almost no guns except the .45 caliber 1917s for the Army. After normal commercial production resumed in 1919, it was about a year before the company trademark reappeared on the guns, and then a year or two later the MADE IN U.S.A. stamp began appearing on the company's revolvers.

Just guessing, but I bet your serial number is in the 300000 - 350000 range.

 

[v-carl]

Thanks for the replies,serial number 330xxx,I have seen other pieces from the same era with stamps on different sides(caliber left or right side)I think original nickel,maybe dressed up at some time,only blue I see is ejector rod and star when pushed out, thanks again