38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG D.O.B., etc.

[WCMeyers]

I would appreciate some help with D.O.B. of my father's revolver He purchased it used 04JUN1957:

Manufacturer: SMITH & WESSON - MADE IN U.S.A.
Caliber: 38 S. & W. SPECIAL CTG
Barrel Length: 6 inch
Finish: Nickel Plate
Grips: Not original but I have been told they were square.
Capacity: Six Shots
Rear Sight: Fixed (machined into frame)
Front Sight: Fixed (half-moon?)
Serial Number (from bottom of grip): S 987334 (matches barrel & cylinder)
Number Under Crane: Y 70237
Right-Side Access Plate: Four Screws

Thank you,
Bill

P.S. Sorry I did not post this as a new thread the first time.

 

[451 Detonics]

Would fall in the 1945-1948 DOB range, the serial number run ended with S999,999 in 1948 so I would guess it to be a late 47, early 48 gun. It is considered a 5 screw btw...you have to count the main spring screw. The 4 screw models started in 1955.

 

[WCMeyers]

Thank you very much!!!

Regards,
Bill

 

[DickM]

It is considered a 5 screw btw...you have to count the main spring screw. The 4 screw models started in 1955.

The gun is indeed a 5-screw, but the 5th screw isn't the mainspring tension screw on the front of the grip frame, it's the cylinder stop tension screw in front of the trigger guard, which is technically the 4th screw - the first to go was the sideplate screw next to the rear sight, so that's commonly called the 5th screw, then the cylinder stop screw (the 4th), leaving the current 3 sideplate screw configuration. The mainspring tension screw remains in the current design.

5th screw eliminated around 1955, 4th dropped around 1961.

 

[WCMeyers]

I appreciate the clarification and additional information.
Thanks,
Bill