I am looking for information/history on a SW 38 CTGS. Serial number 290827. Is marked Pat May 22, 1917. Has Secret Service Special and has a FOR38 marking as well. Any information will be apprecitated.

That's actually not a Smith & Wesson revolver, though it chambers a round developed by S&W. Guns with the "Secret Service" markings were made by (I think) Harrington & Richardson. Or maybe Iver Johnson. If you Google "H&R Secret Service Special" you will get some hits that may point you in the direction of better information.

EDITED TO ADD: And I should have said first, "Welcome to the forum."

I see Timetripper had some good info for you, and I'm pleased to learn that what I said is not inconsistent with his far better report.

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David Wilson

Is this a top break revolver? Is it a hammer or hammer-less type action? In either case, it sounds like you have a Iver Johnson "Secret Service Special" chambered for the 38 S&W cartridge. These revolvers were made in hammer and hammer-less versions and for 32 S&W as well. They were manufactured from 1910 to 1936 by IJ for the Fred Biffar Co., with most being produced before 1925. A couple other manufacturers, H&R for one ,also made revolvers marked "Secret Service Special" and while it is possible that you may have one of these, I believe the 1917 patent date makes yours an Iver Johnson. The patent covered a special hammer block safety used only by Iver Johnson made Biffar Co. revolvers. W.E. Goforth's book on Iver Johnson, which is my source for all the info, shows that after 1917 the hammer models has a "C" prefix in their serial numbers while the hammer-less were stamped with a "D". Both hammer types in your serial number range were made in 1922. The letter may be stamped on the frame under the grips if it is not visible externally. Goforth's book has a wealth of information on the Iver John revolvers but it isn't always easy do digest. I hope I've got it right for you. BTY, pics are always nice to see!
John

Moderator, Please move this post to the Antique catagory. It is a top break revolver. Thanks, Ed.

Thanks for the information. I will post pictures later today or tomorrow. It is my father's gun and he is asking in to find out what I can on this gun.