Shed find....5" M1905 M&P 1st change "Shed Find" .38 special Revolver

[1srelluc]

This one was brought into the shop in a very sorry state (it was found out in a shed that was being torn down) so they put it back for me because I don't mind "basket cases".

I looked it over and gave them the $100 they asked for it.

It was made sometime between 1906 and 1909.

It was rusted through the nickel in most places but the bore and cylinders were just fine and there was even a goodly amount of case-hardening left on the trigger/hammer.

I took it apart and found that the grips matched the frame. All other serials matched.

None of the screws were buggered so it looks like I was the only one inside of it. I cleaned-up some hardened oil/dust, lubed it up, and put it back together.

The darn thing is tight as a tick and times fine. Given that there was no wear on the grips (or really on any of the typical wear surfaces) so I suspect it was just stuck out in the shed for some reason.

 

[JGalt]

This one was brought into the shop in a very sorry state (it was found out in a shed that was being torn down) so they put it back for me because I don't mind "basket cases".

I looked it over and gave them the $100 they asked for it.

It was made sometime between 1906 and 1909.

View attachment 1241238

View attachment 1241240

It was rusted through the nickel in most places but the bore and cylinders were just fine and there was even a goodly amount of case-hardening left on the trigger/hammer.

I took it apart and found that the grips matched the frame. All other serials matched.

None of the screws were buggered so it looks like I was the only one inside of it. I cleaned-up some hardened oil/dust, lubed it up, and put it back together.

The darn thing is tight as a tick and times fine. Given that there was no wear on the grips (or really on any of the typical wear surfaces) so I suspect it was just stuck out in the shed for some reason.

Give her a hillbilly rattlecan camo paint job and she'll be good as new.

 

[1srelluc]

Shipped in 1906 according to the folks on the S&W forum.

LOL....I wonder how much of it's 120 year life was spent out in the shed?

 

[JGalt]

Shipped in 1906 according to the folks on the S&W forum.

LOL....I wonder how much time it spent out in the shed?

Probably decades, after it was used to rob a bank.

You might have a genuine piece of history there.

"AI Overview"

"Yes, the Smith & Wesson M1905 M&P (Military & Police) revolver was used extensively by gangsters, criminals, and law enforcement during the 1920s and 1930s Prohibition era. Chambered in .38 Special, these reliable revolvers were common, accessible, and often sold through retail outlets that later traced them back to organized crime figures like the Capone gang.

• Popularity: The M1905 (4th Change) was the standard "cop gun" of the era, which made it highly desirable to criminals looking for reliable firearms, often with 2-inch to 6-inch barrels.
• Availability: These revolvers were easily acquired by "ex-convicts" through various distributors, including Von Lengerke & Antoine in Chicago, which was known to service members of the Capone organization.
• Iconic Status: While the Thompson submachine gun (Tommy Gun) received more fame for high-profile hits like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, standard, concealable revolvers like the M1905 were the staple sidearms for gangsters and police alike during daily operations.
• Role in Crime: Along with other gangsters, John Dillinger is noted to have used S&W M&P revolvers in shootouts.

While the Thompson and Colt 1911 were the "apex predators," the M1905 was a ubiquitous, practical, and heavily used weapon in the gangster era."

 

[1srelluc]

The 5" versions were very popular with PDs back in the day.