I just received a 38 S&W CTG from my late grandfather. I wanted to identify it and learn a little history on the revolver.

Attached Images

	IMG_0141.jpg (163.9 KB, 228 views)
	IMG_0143.jpg (146.6 KB, 178 views)
	IMG_0139.jpg (77.4 KB, 150 views)
	IMG_0140.jpg (105.5 KB, 188 views)

That's an M&P .38 Special from around 1950, also known as a pre-Model 10. Someone will surely be along to pin down the shipping date a little more closely. Have you shot it yet?

Welcome to the forum! Glad to have you here.

C151428 would be an M&P (Military and Police Model) which very likely shipped from the factory in early 1951. It looks to be in all-original condition. You might want to rub a little cold blue over the bluing defects on the right side of the barrel to make it look a little better.

The S&W K-frame revolvers (which yours is) originated in 1899 and have been made in various types and styles ever since, with periodic improvements. Conservatively, more than 7 Miillion have been made.

Welcome to the forum.

I own C 153239 that shipped 3-1-1951 to H.H. Harris. I would guesstimate yours at late 1950 or early 1951.

Although it may be stamped .38 S&W CTG. I believe that it shoots the .38 S&W Special cartridge and not the .38 S&W. They are different cartridges.

As Andy stated, it is a .38 Military and Police model that has been around since the late 1800's. When model numbers were assigned to all S&W's in 1957/8 it received the designation of Model 10. This is one of the mainstay lines in the S&W arsenal and they have sold over 7,000,000 of this model. Most every military or police organization in the world has carried the S&W .38 M&P at one time or another.

They are not real expensive since so many were made but yours since it belonged to your grandfather is considered priceless here on the forum. Having a family heirloom is very special.

__________________
James Redfield
LM #497

Thank you for the great information. I have always like shooting this pistol with my grandfather as i was growing up.

Welcome! The right barrel is stamped “.38 S & W Special CTG”, which is proper for a .38 Military & Police. Cool gun and a happy family story too. . Enjoy!

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I think this is about right. My wife's is C1524xx and it shipped in February, 1951 (my lady was delivered that same month and year).

But S&W did not ship these in serial order, so without a letter we are only estimating.

__________________
Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

The depth and detail of Roy's information never ceases to amaze me.

__________________
Certified Curmudgeon

Regarding the damage to the bluing on the right side of the barrel. While there is no way to be sure, its appearance is typical of blood spatter. Blood does bad things to bluing. Many old cops know about that.

Was your grandfather ever in law enforcement? The reason I ask is because of the dents in the butt of the revolver. I have an old one with similar markings and have seen numerous others with hammering marks against nails or tacks. I have heard of older handguns having been used for repairing fences to tacking up wanted posters. Owners must of considered them as a multi-use tool back in those days.

Nice looking M&P. My C155209 shipped 5/50. So you never know.

__________________
Mike
S&WCA #3065

More realistically it's probably from a open muzzle holster....From a left handed shooter.

Welcome to the FORUM! It should be a great shooter for you. I got a really old 1 from my Dad before he passed. (shipped 6/1919) My oldest son has it now. Bob

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on you grandfather's S&W revolver. Smith and Wesson M&P revolvers are the corner stone of the revolver world. Enjoy it at the range.

__________________
"lets be careful out there"