I inherited a S&W .38 Special revolver. My dad had it in the early 1950's. On the barrel it has 38 spc ctg. The barrel is 1 15/16" (2"). It has a screw facing the trigger guard in the grip frame. The are serial no's. on the cylinder and btm of grip is 229130. On the yoke and frame under the yoke it has 38811. It has an exposed hammer and is stainless or chrome, he always said chrome. Any help would be appreciated. Just want to know how old roughly, not worried about value really. It will go to my son when it's time.

Welcome! Are there any letters on the bottom of the grip frame?

Here is a post for ID information, or photos would help also:

To IDENTIFY your Gun >

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Yes there is a C a space and the ser. no. 229180

Welcome to the Forum.
It was born in 1953.
I would imagine it is a Pre M10 Military and Police revolver. That is if it has a steel frame. If it is an aluminum frame it is a Pre M12.
It is not stainless. The first stainless revolver came out in 1965, the M60. It is probably nickle.
Show a picture if you can.
Jim

Thank you, finally have a picture trying to figure out how to add it.

Attaching picture now

Attached Images

0303141210-00.jpg (65.0 KB, 45 views)

It's a Model 1905, 4th change, aka "Pre Model 10 Military & Police" revolver, nickel plated. Close serial numbers were shipped from S&W in early 1953. Ed.

Early to mid 1953 dating is correct. The "Model of 1905, 4th Change" nomenclature is archaic for a gun made in 1953, and calling it simply an M&P (Military and Police) is correct. These short-barreled M&Ps (often called "snubbies") are fairly desirable as compared to those M&Ps having longer barrels, and will command a higher price, other condition factors being equal. If the nickel plating is original, that's worth a slight premium also. The "pre-Model 10" is a collector naming convention (S&W never called it that), because in 1957 S&W adopted a model numbering system, with the M&P becoming a "Model 10" at that time. But otherwise, your revolver is essentially identical to the later Model 10. It's well worth keeping it in the family.

Thank you all for the information