What model is it please?
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DWalt
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It's a round-butt S&W Military & Police Model of 1905, 4th Change from about 1920-21. The grips may not be original, at least I have not see any that look quite like that. They look almost like plastic - are they? For $275, I'd buy it.
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DWalt you got me looking at the correct area in the S&W standard catalog.
Based on the serial it looks like it could be a pre 5 screw 1902 1st change which came with checkered hard rubber grips with S&W monograms. If I am correct do we have a fair asking price? I do plan to buy it if so. This era of S&W is very new to me so any good advice is very welcome. Thanks
Based on the serial it looks like it could be a pre 5 screw 1902 1st change which came with checkered hard rubber grips with S&W monograms. If I am correct do we have a fair asking price? I do plan to buy it if so. This era of S&W is very new to me so any good advice is very welcome. Thanks
Yes, it's worth $275.00. The serial number puts it in the 1902 range. If that mark on the frame that's halfway between the stocks and the trigger stud is the trigger return lever stud, and not just a blemish, AND there is no screw in front of the trigger guard, then it is surely a 1902. Either way, it's worth the money.
Mike
Thanks for the additional items to look for.
Is there a chance the grips are original?
How would I know?
Also very hard to see in the picture, should the barrel be pinned?
What key questions should I ask the seller while I have him on the phone?
Looking in person is not an option.
Thanks
Thanks for the additional items to look for.
Is there a chance the grips are original?
How would I know?
Also very hard to see in the picture, should the barrel be pinned?
What key questions should I ask the seller while I have him on the phone?
Looking in person is not an option.
Thanks
The mottling on the grips and hard shine on the surface mark them as Franzite, not wood. They cannot be original, but they may date from the 1940s or 1950s.
Original grips may be either hard rubber or checked walnut with no medallions in dished tops. The gun probably shipped around 1904 and, if that's the original finish, is in enviable condition. Even if refinished, it is worth the $275 price attached to it.
Ask the seller if there is a star next to the serial number on the butt. That would mean a return trip to the factory at some point, perhaps to be reblued. Lack of a star does not mean it wasn't refinished, because it may have been handled by a non-factory service.
Original grips may be either hard rubber or checked walnut with no medallions in dished tops. The gun probably shipped around 1904 and, if that's the original finish, is in enviable condition. Even if refinished, it is worth the $275 price attached to it.
Ask the seller if there is a star next to the serial number on the butt. That would mean a return trip to the factory at some point, perhaps to be reblued. Lack of a star does not mean it wasn't refinished, because it may have been handled by a non-factory service.
DWalt
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Yes, I stuck another digit in the SN when I read it - It would be about 1903. Still it's easily worth $275. The grips are strange.
The grips are definitely suspect. It's hard to tell from the photo but it appears the color of the hammer does not match the case colors on the trigger. The hammer may have been blued, but like I said it's hard to tell. Other than that it is a nice looking gun.
Better images would sure help...as, so far, to my Eye anyway, it looks likely to have been re-Blued ( as well as wrong Stocks, as others have relayed ).
Images of the other side would be ideal, too of course.
Any m1902 in fairly intact original finish would be attractive/appealing for that price, even with wrong Stocks.
If re-Finished, then, it is not quite the same appeal.
Images of the other side would be ideal, too of course.
Any m1902 in fairly intact original finish would be attractive/appealing for that price, even with wrong Stocks.
If re-Finished, then, it is not quite the same appeal.
Thanks for all the advice. I put together a list of questions to ask tomorrow.
Does the trigger guard have a screw in the front?
If you can remove the grips, what numbers or markings are visible on the grips?
What marks on the gun are visible under the grips and visible with cylinder open?
Is the hammer a nice case color as the trigger, or is it re-finished blue?
Is there any mark such as a "star" near the serial number on butt or under the grips?
Does the serial number on the butt, cylinder, bottom barrel all match?
Is there any signs of rust or pitting under the finish that would indicate the gun was re-blued?
Is there any signs of aggressive prep work or previous scars prior to a re-blue such as, shallow markings or deep scuffs?
Thanks again for all the input
Does the trigger guard have a screw in the front?
If you can remove the grips, what numbers or markings are visible on the grips?
What marks on the gun are visible under the grips and visible with cylinder open?
Is the hammer a nice case color as the trigger, or is it re-finished blue?
Is there any mark such as a "star" near the serial number on butt or under the grips?
Does the serial number on the butt, cylinder, bottom barrel all match?
Is there any signs of rust or pitting under the finish that would indicate the gun was re-blued?
Is there any signs of aggressive prep work or previous scars prior to a re-blue such as, shallow markings or deep scuffs?
Thanks again for all the input
That's a pretty good list Lot_45. Don't forget to ask for more pictures to back all that up. Good luck.
On the grips, you might want to ask if they are indeed Franzite. If the seller is not familiar with the term, ask if they are molded plastic.
Well you guys are right on the money...
The grips ARE Franzite
The finish IS redone and there is significant wear making the S&W stamp on the right plate almost gone.
Also mention of "a good bit of pitting" that is covered by the make over.
I will pass but if anyone wants to know where it is PM me.
Thanks guys for all your help.
The grips ARE Franzite
The finish IS redone and there is significant wear making the S&W stamp on the right plate almost gone.
Also mention of "a good bit of pitting" that is covered by the make over.
I will pass but if anyone wants to know where it is PM me.
Thanks guys for all your help.
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