need help with old pinned 38 ID

[UpTheHill]

This just got this delivered from a GunBroker purchase.
it's a S&W .38. it was advertised as a 5 screw M&P, but it doesn't have the trigger guard screw.
it's serial number is 12054, it has what looks like Bakelite grips with 12054 scratched into the right grip.
it has a 3 1/2" barrel
it was re-blued at some point in it's life (maybe several times, it's a heavy coating)

I'm thinking it's a pre 5 screw - 4 screw M&P with a birth date around 1900 - 1901. but that might just be me dreaming.

Sorry for the crappy cell phone photo's

 

[murphydog]

It's a model 1899 .38, without the forward locking point for the ejector rod or the 5th screw (both introduced with the model 1902). The knurled end of the rod is missing - Forum member Mike Priwer has a source for these if you are interested.

 

[s&wchad]

1st Model M&P (1899) with a shortened barrel and missing the ejector rod knob. One of our members recently had some reproduction knobs offered for sale, you may want to contact him.

http://smith-wessonforum.com/accessories-misc-sale-trade/381453-extractor-rod-nobs-model-1899-a.html

 

[UpTheHill]

thanks guys, I do want the knob, I'll check into it.
I also need to replace the cylinder stop spring

 

[UpTheHill]

before I start dropping money into replacing missing parts.
what's the ball park value on this?

TIA, Dave

 

[John R]

Nice old workhorse.

 

[murphydog]

So as not to call your Gunbroker skills into question, I would say the ballpark value is exactly what you paid for it or about $300, whichever is greater .

 

[UpTheHill]

So as not to call your Gunbroker skills into question, I would say the ballpark value is exactly what you paid for it or about $300, whichever is greater .

well I paid $180 for it, so I'm happy
it's going up on my 401k wall with my other S&W's
probably replace the ejector rod knob

 

[JP@AK]

without the forward locking point for the ejector rod or the 5th screw (both introduced with the model 1902)

Alan
Actually, the locking lug was added in 1902, but the cylinder stop spring retaining screw (fifth screw) wasn't added until 1905. The Model of 1902 was a four screw revolver.

 

[DWalt]

Almost certainly, it's from 1901. I think one of Mike Priwer's replica extractor knobs will run you about $100, as I remember, if there are any left. For reasons I do not fully understand, there are many Model 1899s found with missing knobs, obviously a design shortcoming. Yours has been re-blued, and that's not unusual either. Finding one in very good original condition is unusual. In any condition, they have historic value if nothing else, as they are the first of a long line of K-frame revolvers.