My Dad was a Policeman and had a service revolver that I now have. Anyone have an idea of its age/worth?

38 S&W Special CTG
Blue Steel
Serial # S818119

Thanks

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Welcome to the forum. Your dad's revolver, a Military & Police model, almost certainly shipped in early 1946; the serial number places it shortly after commercial production resumed after the war. Judging by the wear on the grip panels, especially the left one, where the checkering seems smoothed down beyond the diamond pattern, your dad carried this for many years or decades.

Does it have any department-related markings anywhere? As for value, just as a worn-down shooter someone without a personal connection would be unlikely to pay more than maybe in the 300s for it. The value lies more in your family association with the gun.

Thanks for the info. Don't see any special markings anywhere. He was on the job for 40 years after his WWII tour in Korea. Probably bought it in the 40's. Going to take it for a test drive soon! Appreciate your time.

Looks like dad was a lefty. As I'm right handed all my grips wore on the right (outside).

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Yup or better know as a southpaw!

Serial # S818119 on your dad's M&P suggests it probably shipped during the March to June 1946 period. Those very worn grips are probably original. It has been carried a great deal. Regarding its value, to anyone other than you, maybe a few hundred dollars in that condition. I am certain that you would value it much more highly.

Thanks everyone! Great forum.

Just my miserable 2 cents, but you should write down all the details you know about your dad's revolver and history. Left handed - accounting for the stock wear, dates, a picture of your dad in uniform, etc. It may mean alot to your kid's or grandkid's some day when you're not around to tell those stories. Congrats on a great family heirloom.

__________________
Jeb

Strongly agree with above. The history you have, the more meaningful it is.

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I am a sheep dog!
1601 (ret)

Dois

As others have mentioned, your dad's gun is an early postwar .38 Military & Police revolver. I show quite a few 4" examples in the S818xxx range and they were shipping in April, 1946.

I am particularly interested in the stocks. I suspect they are original to the gun, but I'd like to know more about them. The checkering style is of the postwar type. But at this point in the evolution of these guns, some of the stocks with postwar checkering had different washers on the inside to retain the medallion. Most were stamped and blued steel. However, others had the machined steel washers, like those used on the prewar style stocks. Again, some of the machined washers were left in the white, while others were blued. Would you kindly remove the stocks and post a picture of the insides of them? While you have them off, you can determine for sure whether they shipped with the gun. A serial number will be impressed into the wood on the inside of the right hand panel. If it matches the one on your gun, they came with it. The S will be absent.

There is a way to remove stocks without risking damage to them. If you are unsure of this, ask and we can give you detailed instructions.

One other thing: Is there a plugged lanyard swivel hole on the butt? At S818119 I would expect to find a plugged hole. But I'd like to confirm that on yours so I can add it to my database.

Thank you for posting!

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318