Nickel plated 1905 M&P

[Mjk42]

The 2nd revolver that was in the auction lot with the Navy Victory was a 6in nickel plated 1905 4th change M&P. SN 252541. I suspect this puts it shipping 1916ish just guessing based on first SN of 4th change being 241704 in 1915. Appears to be original finish in good condition with some wear at the muzzle and edges. Still mirror like on the sides. Grips are old and in good shape but I don’t think they are original. No serial number inside and at that age they shouldn’t have medallions? I have had a bit of an hard time finding info about the grip changes and when they were done. Undecided about getting a factory letter for this one.

Nickle 1905 M&P - Google Photos

Appreciate everyone’s input and I think I caught the bug for collecting these old revolvers!

Matt

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome, Matt! You are correct about the model and approximate shipping date. The grips are correct for that period - 1910 to 1920. Back then, the serial number was written in pencil on the back of the right grip panel. Over time, that gets erased somewhat but may be seen in certain lighting or with a magnifier. Too bad about the muzzle and front sight. However, the rest of the gun looks amazing for its age. Congratulations!


BTW, there are multiple pages, with pictures and time periods, on S&W revolver grips in the Standard Catalog of S&W, by Supica and Nahas. The 5th Edition of this publication has just been released. It's a worthwhile resource if you intend to do any more collecting.

 

[larryofcc]

Here is my # 302321, shipped 6-1919. Original nickel, with penciled serial number on the right stock. Looks like yours. Good luck with your collecting, and buy the book. Big Larry

 

[Mjk42]

BTW, there are multiple pages, with pictures and time periods, on S&W revolver grips in the Standard Catalog of S&W, by Supica and Nahas. The 5th Edition of this publication has just been released. It's a worthwhile resource if you intend to do any more collecting.

Thanks for the recommendation, I just ordered the book!

Happy to hear that the grips are correct for time period. Took them off again and tried to really look (or imagine…) a serial number and nothing obvious. Has a WD lightly carved inside back left grip and a 50 stamped on the butt end of the grip. Has an interesting history I’m sure

 

[DWalt]

For that time period, around 1911 to 1920, wood grips should have the “deep dish” gold medallions. Earlier and later wood grips had no medallions until about 1930. Pencilled SNs are usually difficult to make out.