Like so many before me I find myself in possession of a family heirloom with no information. Etched in the barrel is 38 special CTG. Etched on the yoke is 20514 and the butt has S848837. The barrel from the cylinder to the tip is 4".
I tried to submit a picture but the quality is really poor.
I would love any input from you folks in the know so I can make record some history of this revolver for when I hand it down to my son.

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Welcome to the Forum.

You have a post WW II .38 Military & Police revolver. It was probably shipped in 1946-1947.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Yes, it is an S-series Military and Police (M&P) model which likely shipped around October-November 1946.

Thank you both. I will create a information slip and attach it to the revolver before preserving it for the next generation.

DWalt's estimate is correct. I show quite a few 4" guns in that serial range shipping in October, 1946. One of them is only 18 numbers away from yours. At least a dozen of them (and probably quite a few more) with nearby serial numbers were sent to the New York Police Department on October 11, 1946.

The stocks on your revolver appear to be original. If you take them off you will probably find the serial number, minus the S, impressed into the wood on the inside of the right hand panel.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

It looks like it is in very good condition. If you do take the stocks off, please be sure to use proper gunsmith screwdrivers. Using typical handyman / mechanic screwdrivers will damage the screw heads. Once the stocks are off, giving it a light cleaning followed by a little oil or wax will help preserve it.

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You're shy a few manners.