Smith & Wesson S&W .35, The Model of 1913 4th Type, Scarce Blue 3 ½” Semi-Automatic Pistol, Box & Ammo, MFD 1915 C&R
Sold For: $1,076.00
LSB#: 170107AL06
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: S&W .35, The Model of 1913 4th Type
Serial Number: 3830
Year of Manufacture: Approximately 1916
Caliber: .35 S&W
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “35 S.&W. AUTO. CTG”, flanked with Maltese crosses, the front strap of the grip frame has the serial number, the left of the frame has the monogram logo. The top of the barrel bridge is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. / PAT’D SEPTEMBER 13, 1910. DEC. 13, 1910 / FEB. 23, 1911. JULY 30, 1913. SEPT. 24, 1912”, flanked again by Maltese crosses. The included box is erialized to the pistol and is period correct and correctly mirrors the configuration of the pistol.
Barrel Length: 3 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade on top of the barrel assembly. The rear sight is a “U” channel on top of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth walnut with gold-colored S&W logo medallions and two brass fillers per panel. The left panel has a few shallow scrapes, the right has a ding and smaller surrounding marks, The panels are free of visible cracks and have beautiful grain, please see our pictures. The right panel has only a few scuffs. There are no cracks or major damages. The grips rate in about Fine Plus to Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: High Gloss Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, the rifling is deep and sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 88% of its metal finish. The grip straps and finger safety have spots of light surface erosion and dark patina. The other surfaces have absolutely beautiful fit and finish with deep polished blue and sharp edges. The pistol looks to have lost the aforementioned bluing from honest handling. The pistol looks to have been a cherished piece by whoever owned it. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide is difficult to cock back unless the crossbolt lock is pressed, allowing the slide to come back with ease, this is all by design. To load the pistol in this manner, the slide has to be closed again by hand with the crossbolt depressed, the pistol then functions in single action like any other semi-automatic pistol. The front of the grip frame has a serrated grip safety, the manual safety is located on the back grip strap with an “S” and an arrow for safety directional indication. The magazine release is located on the butt of the grip frame and actuates fore to aft. The mainspring is strong and the trigger pull is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a period correct hinged lid cardboard factory box, which is marked with the matching serial number on the underside in pencil. The end label reflects the configuration of this item and the label is bright and clear. The green body of the box is generally strong with a few rub wear areas and fraying at the corners. Small flake surface losses are seen on the underside. There are no major damages, the box is in Fine Plus to Excellent condition for its age. A factory owner’s manual for the pistol is provided, it is definitely of vintage, we would not be surprised if this was the original manual to this pistol. This item and a factory box of .35 S&W cartridges is included in a clear plastic wrap. We did not take the wrap off to inspect the box but it has been opened before, it sounds full and should have all 50 cartridges present. A blue magazine with light rub wear is included, which holds 7 rounds. These items are all in Excellent condition. The ammunition cannot be shipped with the pistol, which is why the shipping price is higher, we can ship anywhere that is valid, please look into local and state laws before bidding.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson .35 Caliber Model of 1913 was only made from 1913 to 1921, with a total production figure of about 8350. This is number 4100, with an astounding 88% of its finish remaining; for its age and intended roll as a pocket pistol, we think it’s looking great, especially being 104 years old. We’ve seen a few sparse 1913’s come through the shop over the years, but not in this condition, with its ORIGINAL factory box, owner’s manual and a whole box of Remington UMC .35 S&W cartridges, which sometimes sell for more than the guns! These pistols are easily identified by their ‘Clement-Style’ form and operation. The .35 Caliber S&W cartridge was the company’s proprietary offering for this, their first semi-automatic pistol. From Wikipedia “The .35 Smith & Wesson (S&W) is a centerfire pistol cartridge developed in 1912 for the newly designed Model 1913 self-loading pocket pistol intended to compete with the Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP and Model 1908 .380 ACP pistols. The .35 caliber name implied a cartridge of diameter directly between those two popular calibers. Actual bullet diameters were .312 for the .32 ACP and the .35 S&W,[3] and .355 for the .380 ACP.” This is a rare opportunity to add S&W’s first attempt at an auto pistol and we’re willing to bet that one set up like this will not be around for a very long time. Please see our pictures and good luck.
