Looking for approximate age on this one

[timspawn]

Hand ejector
5843XX
38 S&W Spl Ctg
4"
Fixed sights
5 screw

I'm going to use it as my cast bullet shooter.

Thank you,
Tim

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

Was this number taken from the butt of the revolver? If so, was there a letter prefix present, such as a C, D, V or K? If so, that is also part of the serial number.

If no letter prefix, it probably dates to the 1920s. Pictures would be VERY helpful.

[DWalt]

Assuming there is no letter prefix to the SN on the butt, it would date from around 1928.

[timspawn]

There is no letter pre-fix. Number taken from the butt of the gun. I'm going to get a factory letter just for the heck of it.

[timspawn]

I just noticed it has a "diamond" stamped on the barrel flat.

[05CarbonDRZ]

For sure has been refinished,Maybe multiple times.The <> could mean the barrel has been replaced at some Time.If You look under the left hand grip panel You may find more Factory rework stampings.

[Muley Gil]

Looks like the grips have been sanded too much.

[timspawn]

There is an "S" and an "A" under the left grip panel.

[Wiregrassguy]

I believe the "S" indicates S&W service shop. Don't know about the A. On the left side of the grip frame, there should be numbers stamped on the front toe like MM.YY (e.g., 10.35 for October 1935). That was when S&W changed out the barrel. It has definitely seen additional refinishing and outside S&W due to the overbuffing of the side plate. I wouldn't waste my money on a letter for this one. Should make a good lead slinger though.

[DWalt]

A letter probably won't provide much information of interest to you aside from the exact date of shipment and to where it first shipped (usually to a distributor or retailer). If it were in somewhat better condition, a letter might provide a little additional value for the cost ($75).

[ParadiseRoad]

...if the barrel is original...probably would be one of the first revolvers using the LERK rather than the MERK...also seems to have later grips and a filed at an angle front sight...

[DWalt]

Originally Posted by ParadiseRoad

...if the barrel is original...probably would be one of the first revolvers using the LERK rather than the MERK...also seems to have later grips and a filed at an angle front sight...

I wish we could get away from using LERK, MERK, SERK, etc. Discounting the Model of 1899, there was the mushroom-shaped knob used until about 1927-28, the barrel shaped knob used until about early1947, and the knurled rod tip beginning about early 1947 (however pre-WWII M&P snubbies always used the knurled rod tip). Why can't that terminology be used? It's less confusing.

[timspawn]

The gun was payment for me doing some transfers, so I really don't have anything into it. I'm trying to get some history on it from the previous owner. I'll decide on the letter after that info comes back.