pre war 38 spl model 1905 4th price check

[mbliss57]

MY LGS has this. S/N in 650xxx range.
All numbers match including these nice stocks. patina is starting to show. I figure it is from 1940-1941.
He wants $375 OTD.I really like it. Lots of character and all original. But I know they made a million of these too.
Opinions on price?

 

[DWalt]

About early 1940 would be correct. Could be 1939. About the time S&W was beginning M&P production for the British. Those started at about 670000. I don't think $375 OTD is a bad price for that one at the present time. A year ago, I would not have said that.

 

[samandglove1]

You're not stealing it, but I would pay that price for that revolver.

 

[mbliss57]

You're not stealing it, but I would pay that price for that revolver.

That's where my head was. Not a smoking deal but a very nice revolver for a fair price.

 

[DCWilson]

I also think $375 is OK for that gun. You can have a lot of fun shooting a prewar M&P.

I'm going to argue about the date. Note the small logo on the left side of the frame. In late December 1936 an order came down from on high to move that logo to the sideplate, and from early 1937 forward new production put the company stamp there. This gun was probably manufactured somewhere in 1935-1936, though of course it could have shipped months if not years later. Remember that production collapsed during the Great Depression, and the burn rate on serial numbers was nowhere near as high as it had been in the 1920s.

Also I have 649954, not too far away from the number on the gun in question. Mine shipped June 7, 1935.

 

[DWalt]

If you get it, and if it is a matter of importance to you, the only sure way to determine the shipping date is to get a factory letter. During the Roosevelt Depression, the gap between manufacturing and shipping dates could be years. This is compounded by S&W's practice of not shipping in serial number order, so a very low serial number gun could possibly go out the door long after a higher numbered one. I have understood that there have been examples of revolver serial numbers in the low 600000 range, probably manufactured in the early 1930s, not shipping until 1940. It wasn't until the beginning of the British contract M&P revolver production in early 1940 that some of the old guns, frames, and other parts came out of factory inventory.

 

[mbliss57]

Thanks for the info..I forget sometimes that the Great Depression kind of made time stand still in a sense. This is not a collector grade revolver but for the price and era I think it's worth obtaining.

 

[JP@AK]

I think it's worth obtaining.

Yep. Get it. For <400, who could pass it up? Heck, the stocks are worth $50 or more.
Jack

 

[wvmanchu]

I'd go for it I've been looking for a similar model to go with my nickel 4th change. And the price seems fair fot the times.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Oh heck, why not! With current prices its not out of line. I have one that's a twin to yours and its a great shooter.

 

[mbliss57]

Thanks for help.. I passed

Thanks all I decided to pass. Not because it is not worth it but i have to keep reminding myself if I am goingf to buy a gun that is not a strictly for Conceal Carry..that is part of my collection, however meager, I should look for the best example possible. I have seen much better condition ones... just need to be patient.