S&W .38 special age help, please!

[Chris-B]

I can't seem to add more pictures, but the patent dated on top are as follows; MAR 27 94 MAY 21 95 AUG 4 96 DEC 22 LOOKS LIKE 98 OCT 8 01 DEC 17 01 FEB 6 POSSIBLY 06 OR 08 SEPT 14 09

 

[Chris-B]

Please see my last post

Guy is correct. Somewhere in the 1917-1919 period is a good approximation. You didn't show the left side, so we can't see whether the monogram is present. That might help us narrow down the possibilities. It would take a records search to be certain in any case.

If you look at the patent dates on the top of the barrel, you will notice the last one is December 29, 1914. That indicates the Fourth Change, which first appeared in 1915.

The nickel finish appears to be original, and so do the stocks. A nicely preserved piece. Enjoy it.

Please see my previous post with the patent dates. Last one is Sept 14 09

 

[JP@AK]

Please see my previous post with the patent dates. Last one is Sept 14 09

Interesting. The serial number puts the frame beyond 1915, so I suspect the barrel is a leftover part. S&W never threw anything useful away, and in the teens there were probably older barrels still in the bin. One probably got used up later on your frame.

There may be some other explanation, but that one is possible.

 

[Chris-B]

Interesting. The serial number puts the frame beyond 1915, so I suspect the barrel is a leftover part. S&W never threw anything useful away, and in the teens there were probably older barrels still in the bin. One probably got used up later on your frame.

There may be some other explanation, but that one is possible.

I'm going to delete a lousy picture or 2, and post the barrel pics.

 

[Chris-B]

Not sure why they're upside down! They're right side up on my phone!

 

[Chris-B]

I flipped them over on phone, hopefully it works!

 

[Chris-B]

Anyone have an idea why my pictures are uploading upside-down?

 

[JP@AK]

It happens. No big deal; we can read it.

 

[Chris-B]

Does anyone have any more info? I'm just trying to narrow things down.

 

[Model19man]

I have had this gun for most of my life, a Christmas gift from my dad as a teenager, and was wondering if anyone would help me with it's history. Serial # is 286112. On the right hand side of barrel it's stamped "38 S. & W. SPECIAL OTG".

Looks to be in pretty good condition. Probably worth $500 - $600 dollars. Thank you for sharing.