New York national guard M&P 2nd change .38 revolver

[Slufstuff]

This is my new S&W M&P 2nd change 38 special revolver. Per the Roy Jinks letter, It was shipped February 24, 1908, to the New York national guard, 7th regiment, New York City, NY. It was shipped with a blued finish, 6 inch barrel, butt swivel, and checkered grips. This configuration is similar to the S&W model 1899 revolvers. The butt is stamped with a "10" rack number. It is interesting that the swivel was placed right in the middle of the butt serial number and was done so by the factory.

I have not previously seen a NY NG revolver like this. It locks up tight, with a smooth action and excellent bore.

The 7th regiment was activated for WW1 service. I am posting the auction pictures, as they are better than what I could take.

 

[Retired W4]

Fine piece of military history. I'm surprised the letter did not mention the number of guns in the order. Maybe it was just that one.

 

[Slufstuff]

Fine piece of military history. I'm surprised the letter did not mention the number of guns in the order. Maybe it was just that one.

Interesting point actually. It relates to a question I posed in another thread, as to when rarity hurts rather than helps value of a collectible S&W. If this is a one-off order by the NY national guard (for whatever reason) then it is exceedingly rare, but because of the obscurity of being a one of a kind, it is not valued at what the rarity would otherwise dictate.

 

[JayCeeNC]

The letter is dated 17 years ago; I don't believe Dr. Jinks was including "number of guns in the order" info at that time.

 

[sheppard]

Do you folks think the grips are original, they look like 1920s era grips to me.

 

[OFT II]

The grips are the correct concave style for that time.