Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change Revolver, 5-Inch, Factory Blue, 1921
Built in 1921, this Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change combines early K-frame engineering with a less common 5-inch barrel and fully matching serial numbers. Pre-dating the post-1957 Model 10, it features five-screw construction, a round-butt grip frame, and a heat-treated cylinder—details that speak to its transitional pre-war design and collector interest.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – clean, well-maintained, with sharp rifling.
Specific Condition Notes: Metal surfaces display scattered pitting and finish wear consistent with long-term carry, yet mechanical function remains solid.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change revolver
This 4th Change variant falls within serial range 241,704–1,000,000, and the revolver’s 435xxx number matches on the butt, cylinder rear, yoke, and barrel flat—an important authenticity factor for collectors.
The factory blue finish overlays a carbon-steel frame, cylinder, and 5-inch barrel. While holster wear is evident, the original blueing remains in protected areas, preserving correct period aesthetics.
The heat-treated six-shot cylinder and knurled ejector-rod knob mark an early safety and durability upgrade adopted during this era. Combined with the hammer block safety, the revolver retains practical shootability alongside its historical appeal.
Checkered walnut grips fit the round-butt frame, offering classic S&W ergonomics. Fixed iron sights—a pinned half-moon front blade and top-strap square-notch rear—complete the straightforward service configuration favored by law enforcement of the 1920s.