S & W 38 Special

Looks like a Model 10 and from what little I know looks to be a 10-3 but somebody else who knows more will chime in.

If I found that in a gun shop I'd probably pay $375 or so for it if it's mechanically good.

Once again, I'm not an expert in these things. I also don't know what the CTG would indicate. Best of luck and welcome to THR!

Olon

"CTG" is just shorthand for "cartridge".

I would recomend the O.P. ask a moderator to move this post to the "Identity and date of manufacture" thread stickied to the top of this forum. He is sure to get his answers there.

Open up the cylinder and on the frame in the area near where the pivot is there may be some numbers. On your I would expect to see 10-3 stamped there. Same goes for all 3 guns as for location and identity markings. If you see something resembling that then what it means is that it’s a model 10 and it is the 3rd significant change to the way that model 10s were built up to that point. Once you get a solid identity from that stamped number you can easily find production ranges online (as in 10-3 was made from years 19xx to 19yy) whichwill guve you a ballpark estimate of when it was made.

it is all about condition for value. if it was in perfect like new condition, a collector might pay a good dollar for it, but in the pics one can see some finish wear - and no idea if it works, or barrel condition. I bought a used one that was a little newer on gunbroker for around 300 a few years ago.

I am not at all expert, but $400 max and probably closer to $300.

And that's what a seller like a gun shop would get. The gun shop will usually give you about half of that, though many will sell on consignment.

Model 10's are extremely common. They tend to be good shooters and well-made, but unless they are in extremely good condition or are unusual in some way, they just aren't worth a lot.

The Model 10 and the 32 long both look to be in good shape. 38 special ammo is easy to get, and 32 long is gettable.

The 32-20 looks to be in worse condition and is in a rare, obsolete cartridge. I doubt if my friend at my local gun shop would give me anything for it.

It’s a pre model 10 from the mid 1950’s, so don’t waste time looking for a model number stamped in the cylinder crane.

WestKentucky said:

Open up the cylinder and on the frame in the area near where the pivot is there may be some numbers. On your I would expect to see 10-3 stamped there. Same goes for all 3 guns as for location and identity markings. If you see something resembling that then what it means is that it’s a model 10 and it is the 3rd significant change to the way that model 10s were built up to that point. Once you get a solid identity from that stamped number you can easily find production ranges online (as in 10-3 was made from years 19xx to 19yy) whichwill guve you a ballpark estimate of when it was made.

Click to expand...

It’s a five screw pre model 10, circa early to mid 50’s. He won’t find a model number stamped on it.

According to Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, S/N C 74558 was made between 1948 and 1951. With only a five digit number, it was most likely made earlier in that time period than later. It also has the characteristic "fish hook" hammer, and the "half-dime" front sight, and diamond Magna grips for that time period. Just for fun, take the grips off and see if they're numbered to the gun. They'll have the S/N either written or stamped into one side...I think the left. They probably are.

I can't tell from the pictures but Smith and Wesson was starting to transition from the flat wartime finish to a "less dull" shall we say, finish. They didn't get back to the bright blue finish we associate with Smith and Wesson until about 1955 or so, with the exception of the 357 Magnum and maybe some other high end/special order guns.

Even with it being that old, I'd put the value about where the others have put it in the 300-400 dollar range. Technically it is not a Model 10. Model numbers didn't come along until 1957 or so. What you have is a 38 Military and Police. A good keeper really.

Good looking gun!