Inherited weapon

[cherisanzi]

I inherited my father's S&W 38 special upon his passing. He carried this weapon when he was an agent with the CIA in the 1960's. The serial number is 210624.
Any insight or info would be appreciated.
Thank you

 

[sigp220.45]

It could be a lot of things. Pictures would help a lot.

 

[Dino44]

I was curious and googled when the CIA was established. September 18, 1947, is what pops up. The only serial number range that I see in the 4TH edition that may fit the OPS serial number is the early J frames 1962. Assuming OP has not missed a prefix letter S or C.

 

[Alk8944]

If the serial number you posted is correct your revolver could be any of several models as said above. If there is a letter before, after, or in the middle of the legal serial number which is stamped on the butt that letter is part of the serial number and without it no one can tell anything about the gun so please indicate the number as marked on the butt of the gun.

Photos are always helpful!

 

[Green Frog]

Condolences in the loss of your father, but welcome to the S&W Forum. With sufficient information we should be able to identify it. First, make sure you give the complete serial number from the butt, with any letters if present. Also, if you count the number of chambers in the cylinder… 5=J frame, while 6==K frame probably or maybe an N frame (less likely.) Also, counting the screws on the sideplate can be helpful. Remember, there may be one hidden behind the top of the grip. Really, if there is one at the top beside the hammer there are four there. Also, look for a screw in the front of the frame just above where the trigger guard ends. Collectors identify them as 3, 4, or 5 screw variants, helping with dating.
Froggie

 

[ditrina]

OK Folks.. let us get back to discussing the OP's problem.

We have entered " THREAD DRIFT ' territory.
An interesting discussion that needs it's own thread.

Weapon, Firearm, 9mm >357, vs .357 v .44 Magnum

 

[zwartepiet]

Welcome to the Smith and Wesson forum Cherisanzi, and I hope you’ve cherished the memories of your father as you search for help in identifying his service weapon.

I inherited my father's S&W 38 special upon his passing. He carried this weapon when he was an agent with the CIA in the 1960's. The serial number is 210624.
Any insight or info would be appreciated.
Thank you

As several members have stated, posting a picture or two would be helpful.

Video Tutorials on Posting Pictures

Kind regards!

 

[gunbarrel]

Assuming that you consider it an heirloom and you plan to keep it, it will be well worth it to get a factory letter on it (click on link). Particularly if it turns out to be a service weapon instead of one purchased privately; the letter will tell you everything about it, and it will increase its worth substantially (both, sentimentally and materially).

Letters – Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation

 

[steelslaver]

Does it have 5 chambers or 6? Does the rear sight have adjustment screws or is there just a groove in top of frame? Length of barrel from face of cylinder to front of barrel? When you open the cylinder, are there any numbers on the frame, under the barrel, like 36, 37, 10, 12, 15 with or without a - and another number?

Plus, are there any Letters before or in the serial number. Only use the number on bottom of grip frame as the actual serial number.

With that information we can pretty much nail it down just what it is and the approx time it was made

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

Certainly sounds like a J-frame S&W would have shipped in 1961.

Could be one of four models:

Carbon steel Chiefs Special Model 36 or Airweight Model 37

Bodyguard Airweight Model 38 or carbon steel Model 49

Most likely a Chiefs Special Model 36 because all in the database
near that serial number were Model 36s.

Probably has a 2" barrel (actually measures 1⅞"), and probably
a round butt.

The flat thumbpiece might have 11 or 12 ridges and 12 or 13 valleys.