old school 38 S & W special. very old need some help

S & W · September 16, 2009, 01:09 PM

ok ive had the piece for several yeras now and jsut trying to get some more information on it. I know it is a early 5 screw. the gun has the number pattern on it at the bottom. 198 123. anyone know what this means ill post some pictures later.

Jim Watson · September 16, 2009, 02:32 PM

It's the serial number.
If there is no letter in front of the numbers, it is a Military & Police model of 1905, third change, made between 1909 and 1915.

If there is a V, S, or K prefix it is a much later gun and you will have to hope somebody with the right reference book reads your post.

September 16, 2009, 01:09 PM	#1
S & W Junior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Posts: 1	old school 38 S & W special. very old need some help ok ive had the piece for several yeras now and jsut trying to get some more information on it. I know it is a early 5 screw. the gun has the number pattern on it at the bottom. 198 123. anyone know what this means ill post some pictures later.

September 16, 2009, 02:32 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,544	It's the serial number. If there is no letter in front of the numbers, it is a Military & Police model of 1905, third change, made between 1909 and 1915. If there is a V, S, or K prefix it is a much later gun and you will have to hope somebody with the right reference book reads your post.