Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .38 Military & Police Model of 1902, 1st Change

Serial Number: 42421

Year of Manufacture: 1903-1904

Caliber: .38 Special

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out fluted Cylinder with hand ejector.

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "38 S.&W. SPECIAL / & U.S. SERVICE CTG'S". The top of the barrel is marked "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. / PAT'D APRIL 9. 89. MARCH 27. 94. MAY 21. 95.JULY 16.95 / AUG.4.96.DEC. 22. 96. OCT.4.98. OCT.8.01. DEC.17.01". The side plate is marked with the S&W monogram. The bottom of the grip frame is marked "42421". The crane and cut are marked "14892". The inside of the right grip is marked "39104". The rear face of the cylinder is marked "42421". The inside of the ejector star is marked "42421". The bottom of the barrel is marked "42421". The bottom of the left grip has a patent date "PAT'D JAN. 20".

Barrel Length: 5” Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half circle blade on a rectangular base integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch channel machined into the top-strap of the frame.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece diamond center checkered hard rubber with S&W monograms molded at their tops. The checkering is sharp. There is faint handling wear. The grips have no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Fine condition as not serial matching.

Type of Finish: Nickel, Case Color hammer and trigger

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with defined rifling. There is light erosion throughout. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 70% of its original finish. The balance of the finish shows intermittent areas of finish loss and scattered light oxidation. The case color is visible though somewhat muted, but vibrant in the protected areas. There is subtle erosion at the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp to slightly tool marked. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up well on each chamber with little side-to-side play. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double action is smooth. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This Smith and Wesson .38 Military and Police Model of 1902 First Change dates to the 1903 to 1904 period and represents the formative years of what would become one of the longest running revolver lines in American history. Built on the early Hand Ejector frame and chambered in .38 Special, these revolvers bridged the transition from 19th century design into modern service arms, seeing early adoption by police, military, and government users at the turn of the century. The five inch pinned barrel, fixed service sights, and classic S and W profile reflect the practical priorities of the era.

The .38 Special cartridge was introduced alongside this model and quickly established a reputation for controllability and service reliability. This example retains strong original character with clear markings, clean hard rubber stocks, and visible case color in protected areas. Finish wear and bore erosion are consistent with age and honest use, while overall presentation remains sound and representative of early Smith and Wesson craftsmanship.