Pre-Model 10

[fowlintent]

Hello all, relatively new to this forum. I ran across an old S&W which I assume to be a pre-model 10. The gun is chromed, 4" barrel, about 95% condition, serial no. 457xxx, no model number in cylinder housing, chambered in 38 S&W Special Ctg, 4 screws on side panel, one screw in front of trigger guard, walnut diamond grips, no S&W medallion. Any idea on ID and year of manufacture? I paid $300.00 so I assume I wasn't hurt too bad, but would appreciate any opinions. Thanks.

 

[DCWilson]

Welcome to the forum. The gun you describe would be a Military & Police Third Model (Model of 1905), Fourth change. It dates to 1924, give or take a year. The fact that the stocks have no medallions is consistent with this date (the company did not use medallions during the 1920s), so they may be original to the gun. If you want to check, pull the stocks and see if the serial number is written on or pressed into the back of one panel.

I don't think you should feel any pain about the price you paid; sounds good to me.

Is there any chance the gun was refinished at some point? Guns with 95% original nickel are rare after 85 years, though there are some around. One possible tip off would be if the trigger and hammer are nickeled as well. These parts would show case hardening colors if original or if left untouched in a sensitive refinishing.

Can you post pictures of the gun? Lots of M&P fans here. Here's a thread on how to do it if you need some tips:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-forum-office/78728-posting-photos-forum-new-format.html

 

[fowlintent]

pre-model 10

Thanks David for the reply. I don't think the pistol has been re-finished, as the trigger and the hammer are still case colored, and all the lettering remains sharp, particularly the small lettering on the barrel. Maybe 95% is optomistic, but I would say she is at least 90%, with a little bit of pitting on one side of the trigger guard, and flecks on the side panel. I removed the grips and one of them bears the serial number in pencil. Bore is in excellent condition, no pitting.

I will try top post a few pics.

 

[DCWilson]

Nice gun at a great price. Based on those photos I think your 95% call was correct.

You can shoot that safely with modern .38 Special ammunition, but don't use overpressure rounds (+P or +P+). When you clean it you will want to use a solvent that is safe for nickel finishes.

 

[fyimo]

Welcome to the forum. The gun you describe would be a Military & Police Third Model (Model of 1905), Fourth change. It dates to 1924, give or take a year. The fact that the stocks have no medallions is consistent with this date (the company did not use medallions during the 1920s), so they may be original to the gun. If you want to check, pull the stocks and see if the serial number is written on or pressed into the back of one panel.

I don't think you should feel any pain about the price you paid; sounds good to me.

Is there any chance the gun was refinished at some point? Guns with 95% original nickel are rare after 85 years, though there are some around. One possible tip off would be if the trigger and hammer are nickeled as well. These parts would show case hardening colors if original or if left untouched in a sensitive refinishing.

Can you post pictures of the gun? Lots of M&P fans here. Here's a thread on how to do it if you need some tips:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/smith-wesson-forum-office/78728-posting-photos-forum-new-format.html

I concur with everything said above as far as model and condition. That is a beautiful revolver and if that finish is original then it's quite a find. That's in amazing condition for a revolver of that age. It's a beauty one way or the other.

 

[j38]

Welcome to the Forum! That's a real nice old M&P. I think you did well for that price. My first S&W was an M&P from 1922. I still shoot it a couple of times a year - and it still performs as designed. Enjoy yours,

Jerry

 

[MR. IHC]

wow, nice shape for the age. or should i say nice shape anyway you look at it!

 

[szuppo]

Nice old Smith.....Is the front sight nickeled also? Hard to tell from the photo....
If so, would that have been original from the Factory?