I have a .38 special S&W revolver that I would like help identifying, if you gurus would be so kind as to assist.

Details
Serial number: 21629
Markings:
- Logo on right of frame (legit S&W, not knockoff)
- All the usual patent information for this type of revolver on the top of the barrel, with the last one reading "Dec. 17, 01"
- No model number underneath the "cylinder swingy arm" but does have "62181" (not useful, I know)
Screw number: It has four screws, but one of them is NOT on the front of the trigger guard. It has four screws on the frame.

Would like to know
- Date of manufacture (any other related origin info)
- Why are there four frame screws but no trigger guard screw? After the five-screw model was retired, and they dropped a screw, wasn't it the screw on the frame up by the hammer? Why is that one still there but no trigger guard screw?
- Value: I know that this gun, especially in it's pretty sad condition, won't be worth much if anything at all. Still curious for some of you to take a stab
- Is it possible/probable or totally unlikely/impossible that this holster was made for this gun as a service sidearm?
- Was the original finish nickel or bluing?

Backstory
This was owned by my grandfather, and it was just found in a military leather holster owned by a GI/Sgt (name known, but won't post). It does not appear that the gun fits into the holster, but it may be that the leather has become shrunk and warped...or maybe this holster was never for this gun. I know that some of these revolvers actually were for military, but most were not. I haven't had access to its location for years, and it has denigrated quite a lot. I would like to clean it up and know how much effort I should put into it.

Thanks a million to anyone who provides help. As poor of a gun as you guys may think it is, it has sentimental value to me because of the service member/family friend who owned the holster and my grandfather who was given the pistol.

Attached Images

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It is a "pre 5-screw". .38 M&P 2nd Model of 1902. s/n range is 20976 - 33803.

Round butt K frame.

12,827 were made 1902 - 1903. The fifth screw was added around 1905.

Nice revolver.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

and welcome to the forum.

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Mike
S&WCA #3065

Nothing I can add to what Mike said, but contrary to what you think it is a nice revolver and the fact it was our grandfathers is icing on the cake, Go easy on the cleanup just some oil on a rag would be about it. The holster is most likely for a Colt 1911.

To answer one of your questions, the holster was unlikely to have been made for this gun, or even belong with this gun, as the gun itself was not a type adopted as a service sidearm by the military at that time; S&W had hopes of that when the gun was introduced as the Model 1899, and a few thousand were made for the Army and Navy, but that was it.

I assume from your thread title that it has the long "... & US SERVICE CTG" caliber stamp on the barrel. This does not relate to any military use of the gun, but only to its ability to chamber both the .38 Special and the .38 Long Colt, which was the official military handgun caliber at the time.

As for your finish question, I would tend to think it was originally blued; nickel finishes usually leave some discernible remnants even when very decayed, and can then look very ragged, while your seems to have lost its finish evenly and shows brownish patina in some nooks and crannies, indicating a former blued finish.

Welcome to the Forum.

I have nothing to add to what the others have told you.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Nice gun and nice job getting enough information AND pictures in your first post.

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Just Say No - To Social Media

I have serial number 23739 and it dates to November, 1902 if that helps you narrow things down. That holster looks like a 1911 holster. Welcome to the forum!

Very nice revolver, and even better history!

Enjoy her!

Wow, guys! This is some great and very welcome information! My thanks to all of you. This will definitely be a long-time family heirloom. Unless y'all think differently, I don't think I'm going to refinish it, but I will clean it up and keep it from getting any worse or rusting.

So this gun was definitely NOT made for the military. Interesting. I guess the gentleman who owned the holster gave it to my grandfather when he gave him his personal (as opposed to service) revolver. Also, thanks for the info on the 1911 holster. Very useful.

What do y'all think it's worth? I'm definitely not going to sell it, as it's worth a LOT to me from a historical and sentimental perspective. I know the finish is pretty abysmal, so I know the "market" value might be low, but I'd be interested in hearing some guesses since the gun is so old and is in great functional condition - action is smooth and well-timed. Moving parts look and feel awesome.

As it is, it's probably worth more to you than to anyone else due to its connection with your family. In similar heavily used condition, you might find one tagged in the $200-$300 range at a large gun show.

Thanks, DWalt, that's what I was thinking. Just was curious. Once again, guys, I really appreciate the help. Knowing the date of manufacture and hearing your input has made my day. I'll definitely treasure it.