mystery 38

[LizzieJane]

I have what appears to be a three screw model, it is Nickel with a 5 and a half inch barrel. Serial number 198798, can anyone tell me what I have and what year it was produced

 

[Truckman]

You'll find another screw under the right grip panel when you take them off...And those grips are much younger than the gun...We'd like to see pics from various angles, especially the bottom of the grip frame where the serial number is...And measure the barrel from the front of the cylinder to the muzzle please......Ben

 

[Bobbysixkiller]

If memory serves correctly it should be pre 1921 with no registered mark on the frame. But I might be wrong. By the picture I’m guessing. Only a guess. Model of 1905 38 m&p. Again it’s a guess. The S&W roll mark seems big to me though for that era.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

You have a .38 Military & Police revolver, built before mid 1922.

It should be a five screw. One is under the right stock and another should be in front of the trigger guard.

 

[RM Vivas]

1912

Best,
RM Vivas

 

[LizzieJane]

Mystery 38

Thanks to all why gave their time. As for photos the camera is of inferior quality and the single photo is all that can be done. I took off the grips and indeed it is a five screw, nickel plated with a 6 inch barrel. The serial number is 198798, can you tell me the year and another question. Was the nickel plating done by Smith?

 

[gmborkovic]

Yes, your hammer and trigger are case colored and the side plate seam appears nice and tight.

 

[Truckman]

Was the nickel plating done by Smith?

Can you look at the bottom of the barrel with the cylinder open, where the machined flat area is...Your gun's serial number should be repeated there...If a letter "B" precedes it the factory finish would have been blued...If no letters are there, nickel was almost assuredly the original finish...You might also look for a star on the bottom of the grip frame, or what might be a date code on the left grip frame...These would indicate a return to the factory for service or refinishing...I'm also guessing the extractor star is in a blued finish...A S&WHF letter would provide details of its original configuration and finish plus a shipping date and destination......Ben