Orbea Bros. 38 Special CTG (help)

[Rogmatt]

An old friend gave me a pistol he has had for years. He never fired it.
Barrel says 38 Special CTG.
Side says Made by Orbea Bros Spain.
Top of barrel "Best American Cartridge are those that fit best fit the CH"
Grip handle says "Made by Orbea Hnos Eibar - Spain
Bottom of grip has serial # E 423xx.

I might want to replace the grips. Any source? Which S&W is it copied from?
Previous owner felt it would not hold up to shooting so he did not. Any opinions?

 

[Jim K]

Those guns were basically copies (externally) of the S&W Military & Police revolver, later the Model 10. In some cases, Model 10 grips will fit with a small amount of work.

The Orbea guns were among the "least worst" of the flood of Spanish made junk imported in the 1920's and 1930's. Orbea workmanship was a tad better, but like the rest, they were made of a type of cast iron called "pot metal", the same kind used in making iron cook pots. They do not have a high reputation for reliability and durability, which is another way to say not all have blown up yet. I recommend that it not be fired, even with light loads. I have seen one that blew up firing a factory blank.

Jim