NYPD Owned Smith & Wesson .38 Spl. 4″ M&P Model of 1905 4th Change C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,551.00
LSB#: LSB251107RG019
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change
Serial Number: 554516
Year of Manufacture: 1926-27 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 5th Edition)
Caliber: .38 Special
Action Type: Double / Single Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and the right side of the barrel is marked “38 S&W. SPECIAL CTG.” The right side of the frame is etched with the signature of “Joseph A. Brennan” and “MADE IN U.S.A.”. The crane cut and crane are marked “28182” The butt is marked with the serial number “554516” and “16582”. The left side of the frame has a small trademark S&W logo. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “554516” and the front face of the ejector is marked “554516” above the ejector. The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. / PATENTED FEB. 6, 06. SEPT. 14, 09. DEC. 29, 14”. The bottom of the barrel flat is marked “554516”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half moon blade pinned to a raised base integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a rectangular notch adjustable for windage and elevation, screwed to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut stocks with smooth borders, and smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. There are multiple scratches, dings and scuff marks from operational wear. The checkering is heavily worn, particularly on the right grip. There are no cracks or chips. There are a few minor compression marks along the bottom edges. Overall, the grips are in about Fair to Good condition as original.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is fouling present throughout. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 70% of its metal finish. There is a thick and somewhat jagged turn line on the cylinder and wear on the cylinder stops. There is finish loss on the front edges of the cylinder flutes. There is heavy thinning on the barrel near the muzzle and the topstrap from holster wear. The finish on the backstrap and the ejector has worn to the white. There is oxidation on the inside of the grip frame. The screw heads are sharp. There is minor intermittent rust freckling and frost on the frame and barrel. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition as C&R.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up well on each chamber with barely perceptible movement. 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: Smith & Wesson Factory Letter, Service holster, Badge (damaged by bullet), Honor Legion Certificate, Letters of provenance, multiple photos and framed newspaper clippings detailing the service of Officer Brennan.
Our Assessment: This firearm was the service revolver of Officer Joseph A. Brennan of the New York City Police Dept. from 1927-1947. Officer Brennan’s career is supported by an extensive archive of original documentation included with this firearm. Brennan served with distinction and was decorated and received multiple commendations from the Department. On March 30, 1935, Officer Brennan received an Honorable Mention award for bravery and was awarded membership to the New York City Police Department Honor Legion. On June 2, 1941, he received another commendation award for overpowering and arresting a man who assaulted and robbed a woman. These commendations are substantiated by period letters, certificates, photographs, newspaper clippings, and associated artifacts that accompany the revolver, offering a rare and compelling narrative of real-world police service in Depression- and prewar-era New York.
This Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change is distinguished not only by its classic configuration, but by its exceptionally well-documented provenance to New York City Police Department officer Joseph A. Brennan. Manufactured in the mid-1920s, this revolver served as Brennan’s issued duty sidearm during a twenty-year NYPD career spanning 1927 to 1947, a period marked by some of the most challenging years in the city’s law enforcement history. The revolver itself bears Brennan’s etched name on the frame, firmly anchoring it to its original owner and elevating it far beyond a standard service revolver.
As a firearm, the Model of 1905 4th Change represents the pinnacle of Smith & Wesson’s early 20th-century Military & Police revolver production, renowned for durability, balance, and refined action. The visible holster wear, finish thinning, and cylinder turn line are entirely consistent with decades of duty use and serve to reinforce the revolver’s authenticity as a working police sidearm rather than a preserved commercial example. Combined with its intact mechanical function and extraordinary NYPD provenance, this revolver stands as a museum-quality historical artifact directly tied to a documented law enforcement career, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a tangible piece of American police history. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF
