When my grandfather passed away, I was given his 38.
My aunts say that he told them that it was the gun he carried as a USMC Officer (stateside) during WW2. Neither they nor I am sure if he meant this particular gun, or just that it was the same type of gun. I believe that this is a prewar "M&P" (what would later be called a Model 10).
Is it possible he purchased his own sidearm?

I'd like to know when this firearm was made (approximately), and make sure that it is safe to fire it with modern .38spl ammunition.

It is s/n 758xx and has the following markings:
Right side - S&W logo cartouche on frame
Left side - "38 S&W SPECIAL" "& U.S, SERVICE CTG'S" on barrel
Top (very worn and difficult to read) - "SMITH&WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS U.S.A." PAT'DAPR 9. 89. MAR 27.94. MAY 21.95. JUL15.95 AUG 4.96" "DEC 29.96 OCT 4.98 OCT 3.01 DEC 17.01 SEP 9.02 JUL 05" on barrel

Any help would be appreciated.