Want to date and get gun value

[Pegasus814]

I have identified the gun as a [FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot].38 MILITARY & POLICE FIRST MODEL (MODEL OF 1899)[/FONT].

[/FONT] Gun Butt Serial Number – 16582
Stamped Number on the yoke (both sides) – 16360
Half-Moon front site, fixed notch rear sight.
A hand ejector with a 4” Barrel and walnut grips rounded up at the top
Stamped on right side gun (above handle) – Inch tall the “S & W” trademark emblem.

Stamped on right side of barrel (“Maltese Cross” emblem stamped before and after verbiage) –
“SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A
PAT’D MARCH. 27. 94. MAY. 21. 95. AUG. 4. 96. DEC
22. 96. OCT. 8. 01. DEC. 17. 01. FEB. 6. 06. SEP. 14. 09”

Stamped on left side of barrel (partial or small “Maltese Cross” emblem stamped before and after verbiage) –
[FONT=&quot]“38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG”

[/FONT]

 

[Pegasus814]

This is a five screw gun, as you can see.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

That's a Model of 1902. The Model 1899 did not have a latch at the end of the ejector rod.

Correction: I believe that may be a 1899 that has had a 1902 barrel and ejector update. The 1902 SN range started with #20976.

Is there a serial number stamped on the underside of the barrel? Are there any marks under the grips, stamped on the grip frame?

The grips look like ivory to me.

 

[bruce5781]

Second photo makes it look like it is a 5 screw. Serial should be much too early for that. Are you sure the serial is not missing a number ?

Regards,
Bruce

 

[DWalt]

It looks like a 6-digit SN to me, and if 16582x, it would be a Model of 1902 from around 1911. What are the other SNs - barrel and rear face of cylinder?

 

[Absalom]

It looks like a 6-digit SN to me, and if 16582x, it would be a Model of 1902 from around 1911. What are the other SNs - barrel and rear face of cylinder?

To me, too. The sixth spot looks more defined than just a ding, although even with great magnification it's unidentifiable.

But the barrel is definitely too late for the serial, both lug and roll stamping (no US SERVICE CTG), and the absolutely matching significant wear and aging of barrel and rest of the gun would mean that any barrel switch would have to have occurred when the gun was almost new.

 

[Pegasus814]

Serial number under the barrel is 165826. (picture attached)

Handles are ivory and I've never taken them off but will try if it will help to identify the details of the revolver.

Number stamped on the rear face of the cylinder is 165826.

Based on the barrel and cylinder having the same serial number, the last digit on the gun butt I'm guessing is a 6 as well, 165826. Guessing that only matters to ensure it's all the original and not a break in a manufacturing run.

Thanks for the input and let me know if you want me to try taking off the handles.

 

[DWalt]

No need to remove the Ivory grips. If they are really Ivory and not plastic, they are quite desirable. They do look like Ivory to me.

 

[bruce5781]

The only reason I can see to pull the ivory stocks, is so that you could send them to me

Regards,
Bruce

 

[gmborkovic]

Yea, what the heck, take off the grips. Put a drop of oil on each grip where the screw is. Wait a day, let it soak in. Put a little around all the sides of the frame. Let it soak. After the screw comes out, hold the gun over a cushion on the bench and tap the frame or barrel. Grips will move. Just do not pry. They will fall right out. If you do not want to, than dont. Best

 

[Pegasus814]

Without an overwhelming reason to take off the grips, I don't want to risk damaging them any more than age already has! Appreciate the offer to take them off my hands though!

 

[gmborkovic]

OK, leave the grips on. Best

 

[JSR III]

Welcome to the forum.

What I believe that you have is a Model of 1905 third change made 1909 to 1915 in a serial range of about 146900 to 241703 with about 95,000 guns made or approximately 10,000 per year. Your gun serial number 165826 is about 20,000 into that range so probably 1910 or 1911 would be a good WAG.

Finish is compromised so collector value is low. As a shooter grade .38 M&P, these guns are typically valued around $200 to $300. If the stocks are original to the gun, value would rise a bit as these stocks do add value for most buyers.