CTG

[JoeJack]

New to the Forum but there seems to be a few knowledgeable people on here so I'm going to describe my CTG and ask for help in identification; I have not figured out how to load a photo yet. Description; 6 inch barrel; pearl grips with concave area at top of grips. Fixed sights; exposed ejector rod with lock lug for rod. Serial # 241272 with the numbers 20 07 under the cylinder crane. This weapon has what appears to be armorer marks in front of the Words " S&W Special CTG. Appears to be Chrome and in good to very good condition. Cylinder shows little wear and play, Barrel show wear though the lands are evident to end of barrel. I've been offered the gun but neither owner or buyer (me) have any idea what the gun is worth as a collectors piece. I'm not a collector but would like to own the gun for display. Any input appreciated. Thanks; Joe

 

[DWalt]

"CTG" is simply an abbreviation used by S&W for "Cartridge" From your description and serial number you have a S&W Military and Police model revolver from about 1915. Put up a few good pictures, and someone will give you a value estimate.

 

[JoeJack]

Thank You; as soon as I figure out how to post pictures I will do just that.

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. Let me address all the comments you posted in your inquiry.

6 inch barrel; Fixed sights, exposed ejector rod with lock lug for rod, serial # 241272 It almost has to be a 38 Military & Police, Third Model, or otherwise known as a Model 1902 (round butt) or Model 1905 (square butt). The revolver would have shipped, as DeWalt states, around 1915.

Pearl grips with concave area at top of grips Most likely an after-market set of pearl stocks, since S&W had medallions in the round top of all their revolvers.

20 07 under the cylinder crane Merely an assembly number which should be found on the frame, yoke, and the inside of the sideplate.

Words " S&W Special CTG. Sounds like the "38" may be worn off, but should read 38 S&W Special CTG.

Appears to be Chrome Actually, the original finish would have been blue or nickel plate. Some were redone with chrome, but look for a slight yellow tint and most likely a less shiny finish. If that is what you see, it is nickel.

Good to very good condition , Cylinder shows little wear and play, Barrel show wear though the lands are evident to end of barrel. I would say there is probably more wear on it than would be expected by a collector. With all the comments you make, I would go towards the "Good" category.

I've been offered the gun but neither owner nor buyer (me) has any idea what the gun is worth as a collector’s piece. I would only make a guess that the value would be under $300. These revolvers are very common and often sell for $200 in worn, but working condition. It also sounds like there would be no "collector" interest, due to the wear to the mechanism, barrel rifling, and finish.

 

[JSR III]

I think Gary summed it up very nicely. Great answers Gary.

 

[JoeJack]

glowe; you nailed it. Had the gun looked at by Cabala's gun library and it is a 3rd change 1915 in good condition. I have read that the pearl grips with the concave top were an optional grip but had not read that the medallion was on all the grips.

It was also determined to be nickel. Appraiser put the value at $600. Thanks for the reply and the education.

 

[glowe]

It was also determined to be nickel. Appraiser put the value at $600. Thanks for the reply and the education.

Either the condition is your revolver is almost perfect, or Cabelas is really optomistic, since these guns do not sell or even half that in Good to Very Good condition. I would have sold it to Cabelas in a heartbeat and go out to find another one and pocket the profit, but I bet they would not have paid anywhere near that amount if you tried to sell it to them. Have fun shooting.

 

[Arik]

Thay is very optimistic price. About $200 - $300 over

 

[DWalt]

Ditto - it would have to be virtually perfect to be worth $600. However, you have to wonder when you see prices realized on GunBroker for guns which you wouldn't expect to bring half the winning bid.

 

[Hondo44]

And if the .38 looks like armorer marks (which were not stamped there)and isn't clearly .38 in front of "S&W Special CTG"on the barrel, and/or the hammer and trigger are also nickel plated, it was clearly refinished and has no collector value; therefore $300 or less value.