Trying to get an idea of the mfr date on this S&W 38 special with 4 inch barrel

[Phillip Rush]

This gun was passed by my grandfather to my father and then to me. I just want to find out when it was made or shipped by Smith & Wesson for my own information. It is blue with a walnut checkered grip, swing out cylinder and 4 inch barrel. The serial # C187648.is the same on the butt, the cyclinder and the barrel. It says Smith & Wesson on the left side of barrel, it says 38 s&w special ctg on right side of barrel. Any help I could get would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cp1969]

It's not that easy to date S&W revolvers. Suggest looking here first: https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...-date-of-manufacture-of-s-w-revolvers.372213/

I have the "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson" somewhere here in my personal landfill that I call home. I'll try to find it and see what it says but sometimes it's very vague on dates.

 

[cp1969]

From that book, it says the "C" prefix was changed to "D" in 1967. Your gun has a "C" prefix, which would place it before 1967.

BUT--

The book also says diamond grips, which your gun has, were not used after 1968.

SO--

You've got two conflicting pieces of information. Someone may have replaced the grips with diamond grips, which is not unusual.

Open the cylinder and look for stamped numbers and letters on the frame. What does it show?

 

[cp1969]

More info--in a different section of that same book, it lists C-series prefix approximate dates:

1948-1951 C1 thru C223998.

Hope this helps.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Welcome the The High Road!

The speed or "fish hook" hammer confirms a date in the late 40's to early 50's. I have one just like it, minus the original grips.

Is the same serial number stamped on the inside of your grips?

They are outstanding revolvers and please plan to keep it in the family.

 

[.455_Hunter]

From that book, it says the "C" prefix was changed to "D" in 1967. Your gun has a "C" prefix, which would place it before 1967.

BUT--

The book also says diamond grips, which your gun has, were not used after 1968.

SO--

You've got two conflicting pieces of information. Someone may have replaced the grips with diamond grips, which is not unusual.

Why is the information conflicting?

Pre-67 guns have C-section serial numbers.
Pre-68 guns have diamonds grips.

His gun has both and is correct.

If the grips were NON-diamond, then they would be a mismatch.

 

[cp1969]

You're right.

 

[Jim Watson]

Why worry about a 1967-1968 grip change when the gun was made not later than 1951?
These early post war guns from Smith and Colt are interesting, sometimes you will find one with leftover military characteristics.
A very early post war Smith might well have a plugged lanyard loop hole as they used up Victory model frames.

 

[Phillip Rush]

From that book, it says the "C" prefix was changed to "D" in 1967. Your gun has a "C" prefix, which would place it before 1967.

BUT--

The book also says diamond grips, which your gun has, were not used after 1968.

SO--

You've got two conflicting pieces of information. Someone may have replaced the grips with diamond grips, which is not unusual.

Open the cylinder and look for stamped numbers and letters on the frame. What does it show?

The serial numbers on the grips, the frame, the cylinder and the barrel are all the same. So I assume that means it is completely original.

 

[Phillip Rush]

Welcome the The High Road!

The speed or "fish hook" hammer confirms a date in the late 40's to early 50's. I have one just like it, minus the original grips.

Is the same serial number stamped on the inside of your grips?

They are outstanding revolvers and please plan to keep it in the family.

Yes, the serial numbers all match. Grips, barrel, butt, cylinder all have the same serial number.

 

[Phillip Rush]

Why is the information conflicting?

Pre-67 guns have C-section serial numbers.
Pre-68 guns have diamonds grips.

His gun has both and is correct.

If the grips were NON-diamond, then they would be a mismatch.

The serial numbers on the grips, the frame, the cylinder and the barrel are all the same. So I assume that means it is completely original.

 

[Phillip Rush]

More info--in a different section of that same book, it lists C-series prefix approximate dates:

1948-1951 C1 thru C223998.

Hope this helps.

Thank you for this info

 

[Phillip Rush]

Thank you to all who replied here. I appreciate your help and input. I took the grips off and the serial number on them matches with all the rest. The barrel, the cylinder, the butt, and the grips are all stamped with C187648. so I am assuming the gun was made between 1948-51 but definitely before 1967.

 

[Col. Harrumph]

Really Mr. Rush, if you want actual, documented fact, your only option is to have the revolver "lettered." Click on www.swhistoricalfoundation.com/info.htm and go from there.

 

[AJB2]

S&W factory letters are $75 now . For a 4 screw M&P?????????

 

[PCFlorida]

It may be worth it to him as a family heirloom.

 

[Phillip Rush]

Thanks to all of you for your input and opinions.
I only have one more question if I may ask?
What is your opinion of the value of this revolver.I do not intend to sell it but would like to have an idea of it's value for discussion with family and friends.
Thank you!

 

[Col. Harrumph]

Your best chance of valuing it would be to search through the completed auctions at gunbroker et al.

If you want a starter WAG from someone (me) completely unqualified to offer an opinion, I'd guess somwhere in the $250-350 range.

 

[Archie]

Mr. Rush; that looks to be from the period after the Second World War until the early to middle 1950s. What makes me curious is the caliber. The .38 S&W cartridge was not used (as a factory original) much after WWII. The particular spur shape on the hammer is consistent with that period as the C prefix. It is possible the grips are indeed the original or at least original type. The finish is worn past that desirable to a collector, but is priceless to a family heirloom. Contrary to previous mention, that is a five screw model Hand Ejector revolver. The fifth screw is under the grips near the back strap.

 

[Jim Watson]

Revolver is stated and shown to be .38 Special.
Grips are stated to be matching number.

Yes, the other sideplate screw is concealed by the Magna grips.