Pre 10 age ?

[chili.red]

I was at the local gun show today and picked up a pre model 10 S&W and would like to try to get a date of manufacture on it.
Links to the pictures are below and the serial number is 4256## no letter designation preceding the serial number.
Really don't want to say how much I paid for it till I find out more about it.

TIA for your help

Steve

 

[DWalt]

Probably about 1922-23. Does it have a Made in USA stamping? It's more a pre-WWII revolver than pre-Model 10 (Model numbers started in 1957, long after this one was made). Depending on condition, $400 or less would be OK for a good one, with original grips.

 

[chili.red]

Yes it does have "Made in USA" on the right side of the frame under the cylinder.

 

[DWalt]

That's about the time the Made in USA started. Round top checkered grips without S&W medallions would be original.

 

[chili.red]

The serial number on the back of the cylinder and the frame match along with the manufacturing number on the yoke and frame too.

 

[chili.red]

I take it $250 was probably a good price

 

[DWalt]

Pretty good deal if it's in good original condition. I'd sure be interested at $250. Not too long ago I paid $340 for one in about 95% original condition much like it with a slightly lower SN (5" barrel). Check SN on bottom of barrel also. Might be worth a little more if it has a round butt.

The correct name of yours is the Model of 1905, 4th Change, Military and Police.

 

[chili.red]

Thanks for the info DWalt, the serial number on the bottom of the barrel also matches the rest. It has the square butt and 5" barrel.
Do the links at the bottom of the original post work for the pictures?

 

[DWalt]

I see no links.

 

[chili.red]

How about now

 

[DWalt]

Your pix are visible now. You might see if your photo site has image files available. If so, you can paste them directly into your posting instead of using a link.

Yours looks completely original. $250 is pretty good.

 

[chili.red]

Pictures fixed

 

[Plain Old Dave]

.32-20 or .38?

 

[DWalt]

.32-20 SNs never went nearly that high.

 

[gordonrick]

Good price for a nice classic M&P!

 

[chili.red]

Thanks for the info guys, it didn't last long though, I traded it straight across for a Valmet M76, NIB, so I think I came out pretty good on that one. At least I have a few more smiths to enjoy and will always be on the lookout for another one. Just couldn't pass up this deal.

Thanks again.