S&W 38s. CTG

[Prof. Molly]

My father has a gun that came from his father from a friend. It's a 38 special CTG (I guess that's important? CTG?). Patent or serial number is 284276. It's nickel-plated I think, with a pearl handle. the patent dates are Dec 17, 1901, February 6 1908, September 14 1909, and December 29, 1914.

Any info on this gun, value, rare or common, anything?

 

[Jim Watson]

CTG is the abbreviation for "Cartridge." It seems to kind of mesmerize people when they sit down at the computer with a Smith & Wesson near by and see those three cryptic letters on the barrel.

You have a Smith and Wesson Military and Police Model of 1905, fourth change. They made nearly half a million of them from 1915 til 1942. Yours is early in the serial number range, it was made some time around WW I. I don't have the reference book to pin it down any closer than that.

Dollar value depends largely on condition for an old but fairly common gun. Is the nickel plating shiny and complete with little wear and no peeling or penetration by black corrosion? Are the pearl grips sound with no chips or cracks?

We can hope Old Fuff comes along, he has a lot of information on guns this vintage.

 

[rcmodel]

CTG is the abbreviation for Cartridge.
As in .38 S&W Special Cartridge.
Nothing more, nothing less.
It is common to almost every S&W in any caliber.

Serial number would seem to indicate it is probably a Hand Ejector Military & Police (six-shot) made in the late teens - early 20's.

But we would need a photo to be sure, or to offer any guess at the value.

rc

 

[Radagast]

Serial number range for the .38 Military & Police Model 10 1905 started at 241704 in 1905 and continued until 1000000. Heat treating of cylinders started at serial number 316648, so your gun should not be fired with modern Plus P ammunition. Stay with the standard pressure 158 grain loads it was designed for.
Depending upon who's talking, heat treating started in 1917 or 1919. Either way your dad's gun was made during WWI.

If the nickel finish is factory original it will be worth a small premium to a collector, if the hammer and trigger have been nickeled then it is an aftermarket job and this will detract from the value.

Factory mother of pearl grips with the S&W logo embedded in them will add value, plastic aftermarket grips will reduce value.

Factory target sights will add value.

Value is highly dependent upon condition, as new in the box it is worth >$1200, in good condition probably $200. Post some pics if you want an idea on this.