Need Info. on 38 S&W Special 6" barrel CTG

Newest pattent date on top of the barrel is Oct 4 98. This must mean 1898 because I got the gun from my father and I think he got it from his father. The serial number on the pistol butt is 17721 with a star after it. The pistol has fixed sights and, regretably, no grips.

Offhand I'd guess a Model of 1899 Military & Police. Probably from 1900 or 1901.

Six shot with a swing out cylinder?

Free-standing ejector rod under the barrel?

A star stamp often means factory repair made at some point. Maybe a refinish.

Try this: http://www.gunblast.com/Cumpston_SW-MP.htm

The information you left me on my S&W 38 Special CTG was perfect and most appreciated. I checked the link to the article by Mike Cumpston and there was my pistol. I had never seen it with grips as mine does not have them yet.
Again many thanks,
Big Jim