I acquired a new revolver from my uncles estate today and am trying to find out a little bit about it, any help is appreciated. The cylinder swings out to the left. The model on the yoke is F 465. It says 38 S & W Special US Service CTG on the left side of the barrel. The serial number is 223xx and matches the numbers on the bottom of the barrel and on the cylinder head. It has got black grips and fixed sights. I am not totally sure on how to measure the barrel but from the barrel end to the end that touches the cylinder is 5 inches. Thanks.

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It appears to be a Hand Ejector Model of 1902. I can't tell from the pictures, but it almost looks like someone slapped some blue on it without any preparation. Based on the serial number, it looks like a first year of production. I have 23739 and it has a shipping date of November, 1902.

Welcome to the forum.

Thank you. Serial number is the same on the butt - 223xx

See my edited post above.

Wow. Did not realize it was that old. I saw some post about a 4 screw vs 5 screw. Which one would this be? Thanks for your help

It would have four frame screws. It is too early to have the fifth screw in the front of the trigger guard. That came along when the cylinder stop was changed, in 1905.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

By the way, "US Service CTG" is a reference to the .38 Long Colt cartridge. That was the standard U.S. military handgun cartridge at the time, and S&W was trying to get a government contract for these revolvers. They were made to fire the then-new .38 S&W Special as well as the .38 Long Colt, which was slightly shorter.
It didn't work out and the door was completely slammed shut when, in about 1911, the government went with the new Colt's pistol, chambered for the .45 ACP. Eventually, S&W dropped the US Service CTG stamp from the barrel and from then on out, it only said "38 S&W Special CTG."

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Interesting for sure. I appreciate all the help guys. My uncle was murdered in 1991 and his wife at the time contacted me yesterday and said she wanted to give me all his old guns because she wanted them to stay in his family. When I met her this morning I was surprised when she gave me about 10 rifles (including a late 1800's english made double barrel 10 gauge) and this pistol. Finding out a little bit of the history of this gun has been icing on the cake to an already special day. Thank you.

That is the great grandfather to the current Model 10. Not a whole lot has really changed in 113 years! I would not shoot any Plus P ammo out of it as the heat treatment is not adequate. Otherwise light load .38 specials should be fine if the mechanics of the gun are OK. You might want to have a gunsmith look at it just to be sure. (my boiler plate recommendation)
Nice acquisition!

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John 1:17
NRA Life Benefactor

Prior to 1905 (with one exception) all K-frame revolvers had the rounded butt design, as yours does. And that is why it is called the Model of 1902. Those later ones of near-identical design having a square butt are called the Model of 1905. I do have a 1902 on my list with a little closer SN to yours, which shipped in August 1902. The .38 U. S. Service Cartridge (AKA .38 Long Colt) is presently obsolete, so you are not likely to find any. But yours will handle the .38 S&W Special just as well. If you decide to shoot it, stick to using lead bullet factory loads, preferably full wadcutter target loads. These old girls are weaker than the ones of today.

Welcome to the forum from Orlando Fl..
Nice pistol. Enjoy the forum and be Safe.


Papa