Help Identify

[TBS]

This was my grandfathers 38 police revolver. He retired from the police department in the early to mid 70's and it has been in storage for many years. I have shot it a few times over the years and it was given to me recently. I would like to know what model it is and any other possible information about it.

The barrell says "38 S.&W. Special CTG"
The serial number stamped on the butt is "C 202***"
Inside the frame is stamped "S" and the number "2". They are not in line. The "2" is smaller and higher than the "S".
Under that the number "19152" is stamped.

The serial number on the butt and the cylinder match.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks
TBS

 

[BUFF]

You have what is known as the .38 Military & Police (MP). This became the Model 10 when S&W assigned model numbers in 1957. It was shipped between 1948 and 1951.

The other numbers are assembly and inspection stamps which means nothing after it left the factory.

 

[310Pilot]

An M&P (some would call it a "Pre-Model 10"). Per the serial number ranges shown in the FAQs, it appears to fall within the 1948-1952 time period, probably in late 1951 or some time in 1952, as C202XXX is near the upper limit of that s/n range, indicating it to have been made near the end of that time. The stag grips and Tyler grip adapter are, most likely, aftermarket, not factory original. Congratulations on having a nice piece of family history.

 

[TBS]

Thanks for the information. That is more than what I knew. I think I may send off to S&W for the history of the gun. One thing my father and grandfather always told me is to never sell a gun that has been given to you. Always pass it down to the next son and that is what I plan on doing with all my firearms. That being said, I am curious what this 38 is worth. Any ideas?

 

[Muley Gil]

Cash money-$250

Family and memories-PRICELESS

 

[BUFF]

The .38 M&P has been in production since 1899, although revised frequently. It has been estimated that S&W has made between six and seven million of them. It may be the most produced handgun in the world (it really IS that good of a handgun!). That kind of keeps the dollar value for most of them at "shooter" rather than collector prices.

You already know it's true, non-dollar value.

That is really great that you have a family gun and know the history of it's owner.

 

[TBS]

Thanks Muley Gil and Buff. I did not know what to even guess the gun was worth. I saw prices range from a few hundred to over a thousand for some older model S&W. For me the gun is priceless. I was very close to my grandfather growing up and this gun will never leave the family. I have a 6 year old son that I will pass the gun down to along with my grandfathers badges, cuffs, and pictures.

 

[Big Lou]

Cash money-$250

Family and memories-PRICELESS

+100...........

 

[mikeruns]

The revolver is probably worth closer to $350 or $400 or maybe even more with real stags/grip adapter and being nickel with honest holster wear. Someone would be very interested in it since it has police history and that classic old copper nostalgia/look. Neat gun, I hope you keep it forever and are able to pass it to someone you are close to.
Best, Mike

 

[iamde3]

Yes Sir, pass it on down. That youngin' is just about the right age to start learnin' Enjoy it, for it has a story to tell.

 

[feralmerril]

Golly, we have almost the same gun! A older woman told the shop owner where I bought it that it was her fathers gun, a police officer. I see by my notes I listed mine as made in about 1953. I added the grips as it had goodyears.

 

[jbv]

s

I'm pretty sure the S means post WWII. I didn't see anyone mention that. From the dates above it wasn't much past WWII. During the war they were marked with a K.