pre war M&P No logo

[papabyrd]

Is it strange for a pre war M&P to not have a S&W logo on either side of the frame ? It is nickle finish with short checkered grips with a brass logo in the top of grip.But there is no logo or writing of any kind on the frame except the ser# 3016xx on the bottom of the butt. All the markings are on the barrel( 4").Just hit me as strange. Thanks for any input.papabyrd

 

[papabyrd]

Is it strange for a pre war M&P to not have a S&W logo on either side of the frame ? It is nickle finish with short checkered grips with a brass logo in the top of grip.But there is no logo or writing of any kind on the frame except the ser# 3016xx on the bottom of the butt. All the markings are on the barrel( 4").Just hit me as strange. Thanks for any input.papabyrd

 

[mikepriwer]

Its approximately a 1919 gun. In those couple of years after WW1, there
seems to be many (or most ) of the guns without the logo. Still, the
serial numbers should be found on the butt, under the barrel, and on
the rear face of the cylinder. And, the patent date roll markings
presumably are still on the right side of the barrel, although at some
point they switch to be being back on the top.

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[papabyrd]

Thanks for the info.

 

[opoefc]

Papabyrd, guns in the serial range of yours are occasionaly found w/o logos stamped on the frame or sideplate. These guns were made just after WW1 when the plant was turned back to S&W by the Army and apparently the rush to get back into civilian production let some models get shipped w/o any logos. Not rare, but uncommon. Ed.

 

[papabyrd]

Thanks again that is interesting

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

papabyrd;

I agree with the remarks made by Mike and Ed. However, I would add this caveat to their comments. In nearly every case when one encounters a used or vintage nickel plated specimen you must consider carefully that it may have been refinished. With the exception of a S&W historical letter accompanying the revolver, or perhaps an original box serialed to the revolver, reliance upon one's ability to recognize the sometimes subtle clues of a refinish becomes quite important. In this case perhaps, the absence of the logo is as our bretheren have commented, documented and not uncommon. On the other hand, missing, faded or fragmentary rollmarks usually suggest a possible refinish. Nickel plated hammers and triggers are usually a dead giveaway that a piece has been refinished since S&W color case hardened these parts. There are other clues at a glance, that also speak to identifying refinished specimens. The only way to be quite sure that your revolver was shipped in nickel finish would be to obtain an historical letter from Roy Jinks. It is nominal in cost and well worth the effort.

I believe it is probable that your piece is quite original but thought I would offer some additional food for thought. Best of luck!

 

[papabyrd]

I have looked under a strong mag glass and there are no marks or any hint of any lettering or logo marks anywhere on the frame.All markings are on the barrel and all are sharp and clear and show no buffing marks anywhere.

 

[mikepriwer]

Not rare, but uncommon.
MANY (as in MOST) guns from the end of WW I to 1923 or so do NOT have a logo on the frame!!

Ed

Seems to be a disagreement between you and Lee Jarrett on this matter. Why don't the two of
you resolve this ? !

Regards, Mike Priwer

 

[mikepriwer]

Pb

Unless you have some unusual devining powers, the only way to establish
the original finish is to get a letter. There has been several discussions
about refinished guns. The problem is that, absent any of the obvious
indicators of refinishing, it is pure speculation to make the leap-of-faith
pronouncement that - therefore the finish is original. All one can say is
that there are no apparent signs of refinishing. Period.

Later, Mike Priwer