Identifying a US Serivice .38

[azaffiro]

Hi. I inherited an old 38 and I was wondering if you could help tell me what it is, how old it is, and the approximate value.

It is a 38 S&W Special with a barrel length of 5". There are 4 screws on the right side of the gun and 1 screw on the front of the grip. The grips are black and look like plastic. They are checkered with a diamond around the screw. The front sight is a half moon and the back sight is a channel along the top of the receiver. The serial number is 209xx, there is no letter in front of the serial. Inside the chamber is G102.

The left side of the barrel is stamped:
38 S. & W. Special
U.S. Service CTG's

The top of the barrel is stamped:
Smith&Wesson Springfield Mass. U.S.A. PAT'D APR9.89,MAR27.94
MAY21.95,JULY16.95,AUG.4.95,DEC.22.96,OCT.4.98,OCT.8.01,DEC.17.01

There is a screw missing where the hammer meets the firing pin. Any idea where to get one?

It is probably NRA Fine once I get a new screw.

Thanks for any information you can offer.

 

[azaffiro]

Hi. I inherited an old 38 and I was wondering if you could help tell me what it is, how old it is, and the approximate value.

It is a 38 S&W Special with a barrel length of 5". There are 4 screws on the right side of the gun and 1 screw on the front of the grip. The grips are black and look like plastic. They are checkered with a diamond around the screw. The front sight is a half moon and the back sight is a channel along the top of the receiver. The serial number is 209xx, there is no letter in front of the serial. Inside the chamber is G102.

The left side of the barrel is stamped:
38 S. & W. Special
U.S. Service CTG's

The top of the barrel is stamped:
Smith&Wesson Springfield Mass. U.S.A. PAT'D APR9.89,MAR27.94
MAY21.95,JULY16.95,AUG.4.95,DEC.22.96,OCT.4.98,OCT.8.01,DEC.17.01

There is a screw missing where the hammer meets the firing pin. Any idea where to get one?

It is probably NRA Fine once I get a new screw.

Thanks for any information you can offer.

 

[s&wchad]

Welcome to the forum.

If the front of the ejector rod just sticks out beneath the barrel without any forward lock-up, you have a .38 Military & Police 1st Model, aka Model of 1899 Army-Navy.

If it has a locking lug under the barrel that engages the front of the ejector rod, it's a 2nd Model (Model of 1902).

How to post pics:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/590103904/m/3011047303

 

[azaffiro]

Thanks. Here is a picture:

 

[Dr. Dan]

Hello..... I just got on board...
I have one like that to. #4945xx w/o grips..

 

[s&wchad]

Good photo. It's a .38 M&P 2nd Model. That hole in the hammer is really a tubular rivet holding the hammer nose (firing pin) to the hammer, so please don't try cramming a screw in there!

The stocks look correct. I'm not sure on value, but S&W only made about 13,000 of that variation in 1902-03. That model started with serial number 20976, so yours is a very early one. It has a non heat treated cylinder, so only shoot light target loads.

 

[mikepriwer]

Yes - that is a Model of 1902 .

Looks like something has happened to the finish. The grips looks to still be crisp, and the one
pictured does not seem to have any wear. You might tell us what the bore looks like. Ie, after
you clean it, is there any pitting, etc ? Also, you might get a picture, with the cylinder open,
of the recoil shield. That is the inside rear of the frame .

Later, Mike Priwer

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Originally posted by mikepriwer:
Looks like something has happened to the finish.

From the photo it almost looks to have been black phosphate coated or painted? The overall wear is pretty inconsistent when compared with the excellent condition of the grips. That makes me wonder if they aren't replacement stocks, although they are the correct type. You might want to remove the stocks and see if the serial number of the gun is scratched or pencil written on one of them. The 1902's aren't especially rare, but they are getting scarcer. I would say scarcely found in high grades of original condition. Based upon the photo above as being representative of the entire guns remaining finish and assuming the bore isn't severely pitted from black powder, I'd estimate it's replacement value at around $350 for insurance.

 

[RON in PA]

The gun looks like it originally was nickle plate. There are a few spots that are still shiny. Of course, I could be all wet and those spots could be just rubbed smooth steel. No idea whatsoever as to how the gun got to its current condition.

 

[sigmanuke]

i have one like that, the serial number is 673xx. can anyone tell me anything about it.

 

[s&wchad]

Originally posted by sigmanuke:
673xx. can anyone tell me anything about it.

.38 Military & Police Model of 1905 (3rd Model). 1905-06.