SW 38 Mil

[hoyt12]

I just bought a old SW 38 but i have no idea what year it was built or what model it even is. It has a 5 digit serial number starting with 654XX, there is a screw in front of the trigger on the guard and three screws on the left hand side of the gun. When I allow the cylinder to be released the number stamped below the barrel is 4657( which i have no idea what that means) all the other numbers stamped on the gun match the serial number. Here are a few pics of the gun. What I am looking for is what year was this gun made, what model is it and a rough estimate of what the gun is worth? If anyone can help I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

 

[hoyt12]

the last pic is where the gun is stamped SW 38 MIL

 

[DCWilson]

Photo link not working in any browser, but once we can see the photos we can probably give you an identification. Welcome to the forum.

It's probably a .38 Military & Police from about 1905, but it could be other things as well and the specific ID depends on aspects of its design. Is there a single letter preceding the serial number on the butt of the gun, like a V, S or C? Are there patent dates on the top of the barrel?

 

[glowe]

The 2 numbers you reference should match if the gun is all original. The serial number is easily found on the butt, back of the cylinder, and under the extractor lug on the barrel flat. All these should match. There should also be a serial number written or stamped on the inside of the stocks. When you open the cylinder, there are assembly numbers on the yoke and the frame opposite, but they will not match the serial number. They were assigned so the fitters could match up the cylinder assembly with the frame/barrel.

As David states, give us a few pictures and check the above locations for numbers.

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum.

The "SW 38 Mil" stamping is suspect and not correct for any S&W. Based on the information given, it can not be a S&W.

If it's a Smith & Wesson, you'll find not 3 screws but four (one under the right grip) and not on the left but on the right side, in the removable sideplate.

From the s/n and if it's a 6 shot S&W, it could be a 38 Military & Police Mod 1905 from the 1905-06 era. If it's a 5 shot it could be a 38 S&W Regulation Police or Terrier from the post WW II era.

Does it have a large S&W logo on the right side? Is it stamped "Made In USA" on the right side front of the frame?

 

[Combat]

S&W did mark barrels S&W 38 MIL. I have a gun so marked. SN.668xx. RB with a six inch barrel. They marked some earlier models like that.

 

[Hondo44]

S&W did mark barrels S&W 38 MIL. I have a gun so marked. SN.668xx. RB with a six inch barrel. They marked some earlier models like that.

Combat,

Thanks for that report, very helpful and new information for me at least. That bolsters a case then for it being the Mod 1905.

 

[hoyt12]

Ok i just downloaded the pictures any clues of the model, year and value?

 

[Hondo44]

Yep, that confirms posts #5 and #7. A nice old workhorse w/little or no original finish and grips about 45 years younger; $100 to 125.