S&W 38 Special CTG

[BDK]

Hi all - My grandparent passed and left a 38 S&W Special CTG. Grip is all wood, only number I found was bottom of barrel and looks like B (about a 6mm space, then what looks like) 187444. The 7 almost looks like a T and the bottom legs of the 4's are very short, so it almost looks like I8T***. Trade mark above the grip on the right side, same side of the barrel has dates from MARCH 27 94 to SEP 14 09. I don't see any other marks on it at all.

Any help on identification age/era/etc is appreciated.

Thanks,
Todd

 

[Jim Watson]

Pictures would be nice, there are some strange things here. The serial number ought to appear on the bottom of the butt and I think the rear of the cylinder.

The barrel number and the patent dates indicate a Military & Police model of 1905, third change, as made 1909-1915.

 

[BDK]

I'm working on getting some pictures (only handy camera is my phone and I wont waste your time with those poor quality shots).

You are correct, I did find the same number on the rear of the cylinder. I've seen shots of other S&W 38s that have it on the butt, but since mine has a full wooden grip, there isn't a place for it there.

More info: It is black metal, fixed sight, looks like 4 inch barrel, six shot cylinder.

If it is the model you stated, do you have any idea of the value? I'm not looking to sell, but would hate to not know.

 

[waidmann]

Remove the grip if it covers the butt and look there, that is the official identity. Since the basic K-frame .38 Special has been around since 1899, condition, completeness (original parts to include grips) and uniqueness, govern value and have to be accessed by a qualified eye. Some of the older ones before hardened cylinders are often the least desirable. The 1905 change 4 (1915 to 1948-ish) is likely the most produced revolver of all time. I love them, but rare, expensive? Uusally not.

 

[Radagast]

During that era S&W stamped the serial number with a B prefix on the barrel flat, so I'll go with Waidmanns call. There is a slim chance there will be a C prefix to the serial number under the grips, which will make it a post world war II gun. It sounds like the grips are non original target models. Value is probably no more than $250 to $350, even less in poor condition.

If it is a 3rd change gun then a) the cylinder is not heat treated and the gun should not be fired with PlusP, +P+, jacketed or semi jacketed ammo. It also predates the positive hammer block safety introduced during WWII and could fire if dropped. For this reason the chamber under the hammer should be left empty.

Pics are needed and the real serial number.

 

[BDK]

Thank you Waidmann and Radagast. I was able to pull off the wooden grips covering the metal butt and it matched all other numbers, 187444, very clear. The metal and wooden grips are all in great shape. My non-expert eye thinks it's in good/fair+ shape. The trigger is fluid and I hope to take it to the range soon. If it truly is worth more than 50-100, I'd be very happy.. Looking forward to holding on to history.

 

[waidmann]

You are welcome , but pay heed to advice you are getting. Standard loading and lead cast bullets please. I would suggest a simple diet of wadcutters. If its functional it is certainly worth more than a C note but closer to two than three given the not correct grips. Period grips will be pricey.