I stopped in my LGS last week and spotted this beautiful Model 1905 revolver sitting in the case. A long time friend of the shop’s family had passed away. He was close to 100 years old. Apparently, he was given this revolver as a gift of appreciation during the Great Depression. He put it away somewhere dry and never shot it the entire time he owned it. Legend has it that the gun wasn’t fired by the original owner either, who had bought it new some years before giving it away. If all that is true, and I believe it is, the gun could actually be unfired since leaving the factory. Judging by the serial number and the markings, I believe it to be mid-1920's vintage. However, I did not look it up. If someone has one of the Smith & Wesson books and could do so, I'd greatly appreciate it (459875, as shown in the pic) :thumbsup:
Please join me for a short summary of the history of the legendary Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver. The first iteration of the Model 10 began in 1899, as the 1899 Hand Ejector. This gun was chambered in 38 Long Colt, but soon morphed into the new 38 Special round, which was significantly more powerful. In 1902 there were several changes made, resulting in the new 38 M&P revolver. Three years later, in 1905, Smith & Wesson introduced the Model of 1905 revolver which incorporated a few additional changes. These changes were very frequent during the early days of double action revolver production and the K-Frame Smith & Wessons were no exception.
The Model of 1905 underwent even more changes during its first decade until S&W finally settled on the “4th Change” version for long term production. The 1905 4th Change was built from 1915 until 1942. In 1942, it gave way to the war time Victory model, most with the dull parkerized finish. The Victory model was only produced during the war for a few years. However, total production of over a half million examples was about equal to the entire 37 years of the M1905 run. Being that we supplied them to several countries, that’s not surprising at all.
Following World War II, Smith & Wesson continued to produce the M&P revolver. In 1957, the gun was finally designated the Model 10. After that, the guns built between the end of WWII and 1957 became known as the pre-Model 10 M&P revolvers. The Model 10 is probably the most popular and best selling Smith & Wesson revolver of all time. They are classly and beautiful to look at, but still tough as nails wheelguns that have been in service in one form or another since the 19th century.
I’m personally a huge fan of old Smith & Wesson revolvers. Once the model numbers were added, I sort of lose interest. I only buy 5-screw S&Ws these days and my favorites are the guns built before WWII. Likewise, this 1920's era example is perfect for my collection. I love the small details and the incredible build quality that was so evident back then.
As you can see, this example is very clean. The bluing is near perfect, as are the grips. The barrel is 5", which makes it a little more unique. No screw has been turned and it's free of scratches, rust, or pitting. I'd rate it at 97-98%. As I mentioned in the first paragraph, this gun was extremely well taken care of through its long life.
Who here owns a 1905 revolver? What do you think of them? :dunno:
As always, please enjoy the pics and share your thoughts.
Thanks! :supergrin:
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Please join me for a short summary of the history of the legendary Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver. The first iteration of the Model 10 began in 1899, as the 1899 Hand Ejector. This gun was chambered in 38 Long Colt, but soon morphed into the new 38 Special round, which was significantly more powerful. In 1902 there were several changes made, resulting in the new 38 M&P revolver. Three years later, in 1905, Smith & Wesson introduced the Model of 1905 revolver which incorporated a few additional changes. These changes were very frequent during the early days of double action revolver production and the K-Frame Smith & Wessons were no exception.
The Model of 1905 underwent even more changes during its first decade until S&W finally settled on the “4th Change” version for long term production. The 1905 4th Change was built from 1915 until 1942. In 1942, it gave way to the war time Victory model, most with the dull parkerized finish. The Victory model was only produced during the war for a few years. However, total production of over a half million examples was about equal to the entire 37 years of the M1905 run. Being that we supplied them to several countries, that’s not surprising at all.
Following World War II, Smith & Wesson continued to produce the M&P revolver. In 1957, the gun was finally designated the Model 10. After that, the guns built between the end of WWII and 1957 became known as the pre-Model 10 M&P revolvers. The Model 10 is probably the most popular and best selling Smith & Wesson revolver of all time. They are classly and beautiful to look at, but still tough as nails wheelguns that have been in service in one form or another since the 19th century.
I’m personally a huge fan of old Smith & Wesson revolvers. Once the model numbers were added, I sort of lose interest. I only buy 5-screw S&Ws these days and my favorites are the guns built before WWII. Likewise, this 1920's era example is perfect for my collection. I love the small details and the incredible build quality that was so evident back then.
As you can see, this example is very clean. The bluing is near perfect, as are the grips. The barrel is 5", which makes it a little more unique. No screw has been turned and it's free of scratches, rust, or pitting. I'd rate it at 97-98%. As I mentioned in the first paragraph, this gun was extremely well taken care of through its long life.
Who here owns a 1905 revolver? What do you think of them? :dunno:
As always, please enjoy the pics and share your thoughts.
Thanks! :supergrin:
