S&W's from 1920?

[Olchevy]

Okay gentleman I hope I am posting this in the appropiate section.

I'm looking to hopefully learn about what are some the better and maybe not so hard to find S&W revolvers from 1920.

My grandmother passed away now 2 years ago. She was by far the most influential person in my life and I loved her more than anyone else. She taught me most everything I know from how to be a gentleman in this day and age, to how to cook, sow, garden, can foods, skin and process wild game how to just be a respectable human being etc you name it she probably taught it to me. I spent almost every day with her taking care of her up till the evening she passed and she litteraly passed away in my arms.

Seeing as she was the most influential person in my life I want to make a tribute so to speak for her. She was born May 25, 1920. And I really want to find an obtain a revolver made in that year of 1920. I realize without serial numbers it may be harder to pinpoint an exact year but I'm hoping there were subtle design changes that might help narrow in on this target year. I want to find one that is fine to shoot and regularly, as she loved to shoot and up until her cataracts messed with her vision around 90 she could out shoot most people with a revolver.

So if I may ask for some help from those that are more experienced than I on older Smiths, what are some good old revolvers to look for and in what calibers and roughly price range should I be expecting.

Thank you for your time, and God bless.

 

[murphydog]

Thanks for posting such a personal story. Others will be along with more suggestions, but I would look for a .38 Military & Police with a serial number near 300,000 (no letter prefix) and without a "Made in U.S.A." or any other S & W frame stamping. The barrel will still be stamped Smith & Wesson along with the caliber. This will get you close to 1920, and whomever owns the gun may know when it shipped or you can ask. This would be between a $200 - 600 gun depending on condition. Good luck in your search!

 

[DWalt]

For a .38 M&P. look for something in the mid-300,000 range. Same in .32-20, 85000-95000. Price would depend upon condition and originality - $300 and up.

There are some other revolvers also, but these K-frames would be the most common and easiest to find, as more were made.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

What a loving and appropreate tribute! Depending on your shooting interests, S&W revolvers from 1920 would include the .22 Kit Gun, the .22/32 Target, the various .32 Long revolvers, the .32-20 M&P, the .38 Regulation Police, chambered in .38 S&W, the .38 special Miltary & Police, the 2nd Model .44 Special, and the commercial 1917 in .45 ACP/.45 Auto Rim.

The .32s and .38 M&Ps would be the easiest to come by.

 

[MrTrolleyguy]

Thank you for posting your personal introduction along with your question. it feels like we know you pretty well already. So a big welcome from Pennsylvania!

 

[mg357]

Welcome to the Forum from Illinois and what a wonderful tribute to your grandmother.

 

[long colt frazier]

My grandmothers carry was an I frame 32 not sure of the model as I was a small tyke but I do remember her shooting clothes pins off her clothes line with it.
Mark
Ps I tried that same shot a few years ago and took down the line.
Mw

 

[gordonrick]

Welcome!
1920 is really a tough year to peg as there were a number of transitions going on. As you are aware, S&W didn't necessarily ship guns in the order they were produced, so nothing is ever certain without a factory letter which only tells you the shipment date.
- Stocks/grips were transitioning from the gold medallion, to a plain convex top. A 1920 gun might have either.
- Wartime production (under government control) had just ended but they did not begin stamping guns with the S&W again until about 1919/1920. A 1920 gun may or may not have the logo.
- Heat treatment of cylinders began at SN 316348 in 1919 or 1920 (I've seen both dates)
- The "Made in USA" roll mark did not appear until 1922 so that would definitely indicate a later gun.
- I believe nickel was still more popular than blue finishes during this period so you're probably more likely to find one in nickel.

I really like the revolvers from this period. I found one with some cosmetic issues for $250 in a local pawn shop, but prices are all over the place. According to my wife I have "too many" guns already, but a nice round butt M&P from the 20's would be hard to resist. Good luck in your search!

 

[Olchevy]

I would love to get one of the .38 M&P's I think that would be just right. What key features should roughly point me to one of 20's vintage?

I'm set to inherit a few smiths from my other side of the family grandpaw including a VERY old I-frame in 32 long that his dad carried everyday while running his general store. But hopefully that will be a long ways off.

Thanks for all the tips so far guys!