info & value

[69R1]

Hello.. im new to hand guns and have recenty purchased my first revolver. The previous owner didnt know much about the gun except that it was his grandfathers and he had it prior to WWII. He passed away 40 yrs ago and the gun was recently found in the attic. Its a 38 s&w CTG,,,6 SHOT,,, Serial # 6866xx. Any info and the value would be greatly apreciated..
P.s. it has aftermarket plastic grips. Id like to get a set or the original maple wood grips or anything close but im having a hard time finding these mostly because im not sure where to look so info on this would be great too!
Thanks in advance.

 

[Old Fuff]

We have a problem...

The marking on the side of the barrel (.38 S&W Ctg) refers to the ammunition used in the revolver, and has nothing to do with the model. Smith & Wesson never marked the model name on its revolvers, and until 1957 they weren't stamped with a model number. Most .38 S&W chambered revolvers were 5 chambered, not 6 - but they did make one model that was. This may be what you have but we need much more information, and if possible a picture, to make anything close to an identification.

First of all, check the marking again to be sure it doesn't say .38 S&W Special Ctg.

Then we'll go on from there.

 

[Radagast]

That serial number is correct for a 1940/41 production British Service Revolver in .38 S&W (Not .38 S&W Special) for Great Britain or one of the British Empire nations such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the South African Union.
The standard cartridge for the empire at that time was a 176 grain FMJ bullet in a .38 S&W case. Modern 145 grain lead .38 S&W ammo is safe to shoot in your gun, but may shoot a little low.
If you want original grips then they were smooth walnut without medallions or checkered walnut with a round top, silver S&W medallion and an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws.
Grips from a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change will fit, these will be checkered.
Grips from a S&W Victory Model will fit, these will be smooth walnut. Both the .38 M&P and Victory Model were manufactured at the same time as the British Service Revolver, the only difference being the caliber. Both style of grip were used, based on the serial number the checkered variety are more likely to be the style shipped on your gun.

 

[Radagast]

That serial number is correct for a 1940/41 production British Service Revolver in .38 S&W (Not .38 S&W Special) for Great Britain or one of the British Empire nations such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the South African Union.
The standard cartridge for the empire at that time was a 176 grain FMJ bullet in a .38 S&W case. Modern 145 grain lead .38 S&W ammo is safe to shoot in your gun, but may shoot a little low.
If you want original grips then they were smooth walnut without medallions or checkered walnut with a round top, silver S&W medallion and an uncheckered diamond around the grip screws.
Grips from a .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 4th Change will fit, these will be checkered.
Grips from a S&W Victory Model will fit, these will be smooth walnut. Both the .38 M&P and Victory Model were manufactured at the same time as the British Service Revolver, the only difference being the caliber. Both style of grip were used, based on the serial number the checkered variety are more likely to be the style shipped on your gun.

 

[69R1]

Thank you so much for the info! Like i said im new with hand guns and apoligize for not providing enough info but seems the serial number got what i needed. I was having problems trying to post pictures..
Any clue if its somewhat a rare gun to have today and where can i find maple grips for it??
I plan on keeping it. Its a good shooting and pretty accurate gun. Very pleased with it except for the grips
Thanks again! Y'all are the best!

 

[Radagast]

I've no idea on where you can get maple grips for it, as the standard grips are walnut. If you do a google search for custom grip makers you may find one willing to make a pair for you.
http://www.gunpartscorp.com/ probably have original second hand grips, but you take a punt as to condition.
There are several online gun auction sites such as Guns America, Auction Arms, Arms Bid, etc that will usually have photos of what you are bidding on, so I would look there.
It's not a rare gun, as roughly a quarter million were made. Many however were nickeled, the barrel cut back and the cylinder bored out to take a .38 Special cartridge, which pretty much ruined their value to a collector or a shooter (.38 special has a narrower cartridge than .38 S&W so .38 special brass will crack or bulge when fired through one of these converted guns).
If it hasn't been refinished and is in excellent original condition (you will need original grips) then value may be as high as $350, but photos are required to confirm that. If it has been converted then $150. Not converted and externally worn but mechanically fine, then maybe $250.

To upload a pic:
Save a picture to your desk top.
hit reply.
click on 'Manage Attachments'
A new screen will open. There is a box that says 'Upload File From Your Computer'. Click on browse on the right side of the box.
This will open a new window called 'File Upload'.
Click on the desktop symbol on the left side of the box.
This will bring up the files on your desktop in the File Upload box.
Double click on the file name for your pic.
The file name will now appear in the dialog box of the Manage Attachments window.
Click on upload to the right of the dialog box.
The window will say Uploading File(s) Please Wait.
When it has finished loading there will be a new box in the manage attachments window that says current attachments. Your file name will be in it.
Click the Close This Window button at the bottom of the manage attachments screen.
The only screen open should be the reply to thread window.
Type your message.
Click Submit Reply.
You are done.
Sample photo is from the 1920s, the checkered grips you are looking fior are basically the same, but with a silver medallion in the circle at the top of the grips.