Hello MRCL! It's great to have someone from Switzerland here on this board. I appreciate your input on this gun.
My understanding is that the M1882 that I have (pictures with serial # 14850) was made prior to 1898. In the US pistols made before 1898 do not need to transfer through an FFL, due to being "antiques". When I purchased mine, it was mailed directly to me (which would be highly illegal if it was post 1898). I know, this makes no sense since this revolver is even by today's standards quite usable and serviceable. The one that Heracles posted is P22348. What I really don't understand is that I would think if it was made around 1914, it should have the wooden grips, shouldn't it? Or, perhaps the Police issued 1882's still had the bakelite grips.
My understanding is that the M1882 that I have (pictures with serial # 14850) was made prior to 1898. In the US pistols made before 1898 do not need to transfer through an FFL, due to being "antiques". When I purchased mine, it was mailed directly to me (which would be highly illegal if it was post 1898). I know, this makes no sense since this revolver is even by today's standards quite usable and serviceable. The one that Heracles posted is P22348. What I really don't understand is that I would think if it was made around 1914, it should have the wooden grips, shouldn't it? Or, perhaps the Police issued 1882's still had the bakelite grips.