[Guest]

A relative of mine recently passed away and left me an old Smith and Wesson revolver. I believe it is a Model 1905; it is chambered in 32-20. I was wondering if anyone here might be able to tell me when this gun was produced. I have been unable to find a guide online that I can compare the serial number on the gun too which would indicate the year (and month if possible) on manufacture. The serial is 38350. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I was also wondering if anyone could give me an idea of the value of the piece. As far as I can tell, it is all numbers matching (the frame, barrel and cylinder all have the same serial...I didn't see numbers stamped anywhere else). Below are a couple pics of the gun so you can gauge the condition. It does have original finish remaining but as you can see in the pics it is worn. The bore is shiny and free from pitting. I'm sure it is against the rules...so I just want to say this isn't an attempt to sell the gun. I have no interest in parting with it as I really like it and think it will make a nice addition of my firearms collection. I don't know anything about vintage Smith & Wesson guns and would like to know as much as I can about this gun. Thank you.

 

[carl418_resigned]

Well, I'll give it a try, but I am not very good at the really old models.

Going by the serial number, it looks to me that it's from 1906-07. Sorry, I can't pin it down much more than that.

As far as value goes, I really can't say. Maybe someone else will help out with that aspect..

 

[Bullseye Smith]

It is a model of 1905 Second Change, made from 1908 to 1909. 11,699 was made, I would say it is almost rare. DMD I would hold on to it if I were you . I would get a letter on it.

 

[carl418_resigned]

Bullseye,
Did you mean to say manuf 1906 to 1909?

As I mentioned, I'm no expert on the early guns, but the SCSW3 states the above dates of manufacture. Of course, we all know the 'bible' can be, and is, wrong sometimes..

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Carl - I could be wrong, but wasn't the first change from 1906 to 08? My information may be wrong. I made up my own little book and I got my information out of Jinks book. Of coourse I could have wrote it down wrong. My eye and brain don't work together sometimes when I'm typing.

 

[carl418_resigned]

John,
I'm getting my info from the SCSW3, which has been known to be wrong. I'm not an expert on the earlier models, so I can't say for sure which is correct.

I do believe we've got the OP in the ballpark, though, and that's what counts..