I have a 38 S&W Special CTG with a 5 1/2 inch barrel. It is nickel plated with pearl handle. I inherited it from from grandfather.

The serial number is 11895 and is located on the bottom of the hand grip.

Does anyone know anything about this gun?

If your S&W does not have a lug under barrel to hold the front of the ejector pin, then you have a Model 1899 Army-Navy, or now known as 38 Hand Ejector Military & Police First Model.

These revolvers were made from 1899 to 1902, with about 20,000 total manufactured. Original barrel lengths included 5" and 6", so maybe yours is closer to one of those than 5 1/2". Measure from the face of the cylinder to the muzzle to check.

We would be interested in seeing a picture of the gun, since it would help with ID. Also, do your grips have a metal S&W medallions? If not, they were probably an after-market addition, which was quite popular in the early 20th century.

Does this gun possibly have a "letter" preceding the S/N on the bottom of the grip frame? Possibly a V? A picture would give many answers.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Need more info. Your question is sort of like asking "I have a car, what is it and what's it worth?"

There are numerous S&W models in 38 caliber. The serial sometimes has letters in it. Don't neglect to mention them if present.

First, look for a model number under the cylinder crane. It will appear as "MOD 19-3" or similar. If not present then the gun likely dates before 1957.

Here's the model number. This one is a MOD 25-2. Note the serial is also present but it's not always in this location. The second photo shows the butt where the serial is usually found.







Give a full (FULL) description. Fixed sights or adjustable?

Fixed:





Adjustable:






Is the ejector rod under the barrel covered (shrouded) or is it exposed and visible?

Shrouded:





Exposed:





A full and proper description along with the correct serial will enable someone to positively ID your S&W revolver. Photos are always helpful but they must be hosted on a remote site and linked.

And, you have a gun with the caliber stamped on the barrel, you don't have a "CTG".
Denis

Welcome to the forum.

Pictures are always welcome.

If the serial number is 11895, with no letter prefix, then its a Model
of 1899. I suspect you measured the barrel incorrectly - measure
from the front face of the cylinder to the end of the barrel. It will
probably be something close to 6 1/2" .

The grips should not have any metal medallions in them. Either they
are black hard rubber, or checkered walnut, with a concave area
at the top of the grips, if there are original. There were also pearl
grips, and occasionally ivory grips.

The distinguishing feature of this revolver is the free-standing
extractor rod. It is not secured with a lug under the barrel, but rather
hangs free.

There should also be a flat area under the barrel, that projects
downward from the underside of the barrel. It should have the frame
serial number ( as should the rear face of the cylinder), and the
flat area should be about 1 1/16" long.

Mike Priwer

Welcome to the Forum.

CTG stands for cartridge and is part of the description of the chambering. It was probably shipped in 1915. The proper name is the .38 Military & Police Model of 1905-3rd Change.

"...there seems to be a few knowledgeable people on here..."

You're wrong there. Thare are MANY knowledgeable members on this forum.

Pictures would be helpful in establishing the value.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Gil - the serial number is 11,XXX and it would have shipped in 1901 if it is a Model 1899.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Instead of speculation, let's wait for some pictures. Agreed that if the SN is as given, it's a first model (1899) from 1901.

it's a zombie!

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Some collect art; I shoot it!