Whua! Is this ok? (pics)

[FerFAL]

Found this under the upper strip of my S&W frame.

Shot with DSC-P41 at 2007-10-09
It's an old 1905 Hand Ejector, 38 Special.

At first I thought it was flame cut, but later saw that it's not exactly where it should be compared to other guns and pics. Also, the cylinder-forcing cone gap is as small as it gets. Besides, it looks machined, as if made on purpose.
What the heck is that? Is my gun safe? Other than that the gun is in prefect condition and shoots like champ. Would this be common on other 1905 S&W Hand Ejectors?
Thanks for your help.


FerFAL

 

[FerFAL]

Found this under the upper strip of my S&W frame.

Shot with DSC-P41 at 2007-10-09
It's an old 1905 Hand Ejector, 38 Special.

At first I thought it was flame cut, but later saw that it's not exactly where it should be compared to other guns and pics. Also, the cylinder-forcing cone gap is as small as it gets. Besides, it looks machined, as if made on purpose.
What the heck is that? Is my gun safe? Other than that the gun is in prefect condition and shoots like champ. Would this be common on other 1905 S&W Hand Ejectors?
Thanks for your help.


FerFAL

 

[Art Doc]

I may be wrong but it seems to me that S&W machines that cut as a preventative measure. Relieves stress or blocks flame-cutting, or something.

 

[DHENRY]

FerFAL,
It's perfectly normal!
The name for it is 'fouling cup'.
First introduced in the blackpowder era, it furnished a recess for the crud from blackpowder ammunition to build up.
Since bp was extremely dirty, an accumulation could impede the proper cylinder rotation.
The fouling cup has long since passed away, an interesting footnote to the REAL old days at Smith & Wesson.
Nice photographs, by the way.
Don

 

[FerFAL]

Thanks! Thought I had a problem right there.

I was surprised because the gun is in pristine condition, shoots very well, the fitting is even better than the one in my 629-1 which is already excellent.
NO play at all whatsoever, truly impressive, fitting and craftsmanship.
I got it for 150 USD. How much is it worth in US?

FerFAL

 

[m-1911]

Are you sure it is a real S&W? The diamonds on the grips look too large

 

[FerFAL]

Well, says S&W, there's a lot of stuff written on the barrel, dates that make little sense, how could I tell if it's a fake or not?

FerFAL

 

[m-1911]

What is the serial number? Post some pics of the top and left side of the barrel showing the markings, also the right side of the gun

 

[FerFAL]

Serial number is 2659XX, I'll take some pics and post them right away

FerFAL

 

[arfmel]

Looks real to me. Maybe some custom grip stock handles, though. Nice gun.

 

[FerFAL]

Here are more pics, thanks for the help guys.

Shouldn't it say "Made in USA"?
FerFAL

 

[FerFAL]

I added some more pics on the "Is this S&W fake" thread.
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/540103904/m/3351018552
FerFAL

 

[Tijeras_Slim]

Very interesting gun. Folks are right about the "fouling cup". I have a couple DA Colts from the early 20's and they have it as well.

The grips are similar to one's I have on a late issue S&W 1917. I don't know if they're aftermarket or a factory non-medallion version. They don't number to the gun (pencil in that period).