I recently inherited an older S&W .38 revolver. From what I can see it is a SW Special OTG. The serial # on bottom of grip is 11247. I was wondering if anyone could tell me approximately when this gun was manufactured. Thanks!

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What you have is a First Model or 1899 Military and Police manufactured sometime during 1900-1901.

The OTG is really CTG, which is nothing more than the abbreviation for CarTridGe.

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Gunsmithing since 1961

Any idea what something like that might be worth?

Your specimen is missing the tip to the ejector rod and has some rust and corrosion problems. It looks also to have been refinished before its current problems developed, and refinishing reduces collector value. As is, I don't think that is more than a $100 gun. Even if the action is sound and the bore and chambers in good shape, I would never shoot .38 Special +P in it and might not even shoot standard .38 Special loadings that were more powerful than 148 grain wadcutter match loads.

I would really get some oil on that gun and go after it with bronze wool to get the rust off. It may need a complete interior cleanup as well if the rust is in the action.

Even if it is not a collector grade Model of 1899, it can be kept and respected as a piece of some historical interest.

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David Wilson

How much would this gun be worth in good condition?

I'm not sure if others would agree with me, but I could see paying $600-700 for a Model of 1899 with about 90-95% of original finish remaining. A gun refinished in accord with factory guidelines and with its new finish largely unblemished from further wear or use would bring about half that much. A somewhat challenged original finish is worth far more than a perfect refinish.

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David Wilson

It might be only worth $100, but I am certain it would sell on Gunbroker for double that or more without reserve.