Help finding year of gun.

[tommycrutch]

I just received a Smith and Wesson that belonged to my Grandfather. I would like to know the age of the gun. I may have it reblued.
It has on the right side of the barrel: 38 S&W Special CTG
On the left side of the barrel: Smith & Wesson.
Right side of the body is the trademark.
Serial number has an S on it and then a series of 6 numbers.
I am not very knowledgable about guns but this is pretty cool.
It has some rust on it. If anyone can help direct me on finding out the year.
I assume it uses 38 special ammunition?
Is it worth getting it reblued?
I see not safety so I assume this older gun has no safety?
Thanks for any help.

[Flint Ridge]

Welcome aboard! Do you have pictures that you could post?

To get the age we need the numbers and prefix and you can xx out the last two. So something like S1234XX would help.

Generally rebluing hurts the value. My thought is this - It's your gun and you can do what you want with it. But if it were me (and it's not) I would leave it as is. He worked really hard over many years to get it in that condition, each scratch was a from him. I'd just leave it.

Others will be along shortly to assist after you post the full number.

Oh and it does not have a safety, but should have a hammer block safety so it does not go off by accident if dropped on the hammer for instance.

[C Islander]

I believe it's a 1945-1948 vintage.

[C Islander]

Oh, welcome from Ohio!!