Hello, My name is Kelly and I live in the Houston area. My 81 year old Grandfather just gave me the first gun that he owned. He bought the revolver when he was 14 years old and has carried it since. Its not in the best of shape but it won't be for sale so that does not matter. I have been looking around on this sight and have seen the letters from Smith & Wesson and would like the information on my Grandfather's gun, but don't know the process.

Here are the markings on the revolver:

top of the barrel :
SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS USA
PAT AUG 1, 96(?) DEC 22, 96 OCT 8 , 01 FEB 8, 06 SEPT 14, 09

LEFT SIDE OF THE 4" BARREL:
S & W 38 CTG

SERIAL # 8226

Thanks for all your help in advance.

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.38 Double Action Perfected Model . Probably made in 1909. Serial Numbers 1 - 59400 used circa 1909 to 1920. It was the only top break gun that Smith built with the top strap release and the thumb release. It came with a 3.25", 4, 5, 6 inch barrel. Nickel or Blue finish. Checkered hard rubber grips or walnut with the monograms on around butt frame. The front sight is intergal to the barrel. Keep in mind this is a .38 S&W not a .38 S&W Special and was produced prior to cylinder heat treating. Have it cleaned and put it under glass.

If you want a factory letter on your gun see here:
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/C...5301§ionId=10504

Thank you for the information Pistol Toter. Since it does not have the heat treated cylinder, will it not stand up to todays ammo.

Questionable!! Those era guns were designed to fire the eariler smokeless and black powders. These older propellents did exhibt the high pressure spike of todays powders. If you handload I think that mmunitions can be loaded to be fired but I would not risk it myself. Why destroy an nice old gun and run the potential for personal injury. Also keep in mine that this is a .38 S&W not a .38 S&W Special. A close inspection by a certified armorer is imperative prior to firing.