Old M&P

[mwr1]

Today I was doing my pawnshop thing. I found a older M&P 4 inch. It's in perfect working condition excellant bore and chambers doesn't even have a turn line on the cylinder. However it appears that some type of chemical has removed most of the blue form the gripframe area and a little on the topstrap. No pits or rust present. Couple of scratches on the muzzle but the blue is intact on the barrel and cylinder. Also on the front of the frame. I would like to find out the production date. Standard Catalog #3 says between 1915 and 1940. I would like to narrow this down a little. Serial number is 397xxx. It has non-magna type service stocks with no emblem and a diamond around the stock screw. The stocks serial number, in pencil, match the frame,cylinder and barrel. Additionally the frame does not have Made in USA stamped on the right side in front of the trigger guard. The face of the trigger is smooth, not groved. I know a picture would help but i spend to much on guns instead of a camera. If possible I will have one of my sons take and post photo's for me on Thanksgiving.

Thanks

 

[bmcgilvray]

I can't give you anything but a guess-timate but perhaps in the 1920-1922 range.

Do the grips have medallions? Are the grips serial numbered to the revolver?

Sure would like to see photos.

 

[DCWilson]

Serial numbers crossed the 400000 mark in this model line in early 1922. So the previously suggested date of 1921-22 is right on.

 

[scha]

I am sure others on this forum will have more details, but the non-magna service stocks without medallions were used from around 1919 until 1929 or so.

Hope this helps.

Steve

 

[Stophel]

I can just about guarantee that a bloody hand is what removed the blueing. ;-)

 

[Hunt200]

Does it sort of looks like the old browning on flintlock barrels? If so that is just from being well used, it is sort of a patina.

 

[mwr1]

Thanks for all the information guys. I don't think its from a bloody hand. I am have observed the "blood and blue" reaction. I spent 28 years as a deputy and have observed that reaction many times, it could be but it doesn't appear to be. I will letter this and see where it went to first. I will try to post pictures on Thanksgiving, with the help of a younger son.