Need Some Help

[AlbertR]

Trying to date a S&W 38 Special I received from my late father-in-law.

1. Hand ejector
2. Serial #: 603373*
3. 38 S&W Special Ctg.
4. 5" barrel
5. Fixed Sights

Thanks in advance

 

[Inusuit]

People smarter than me will be along shortly with better information.

Are you sure you posted the serial number found on the bottom of the butt? If the * represents a digit, that's a problem because a seven number serial starting with 6 doesn't compute to the best of my knowledge.

The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson 4th Edition gives the SN range of 241704-700000 as 1915 to 1942. Not helpful.

More information and some pictures will be useful.

 

[Trooperdan]

Is the a letter "V" in front of the serial number on the butt?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Your 38 M&P dates to around 1930. If the asterisk is actually stamped on the gun, it went back to the factory at some point for work. Take off the grips and look for a date in the format MM.YY stamped on the left side forward toe. Also, there may be a B (or N as you don't say what the finish is) stamped on the left side to indicate a refinish.

 

[AlbertR]

The asterisk is actually there. Thanks, Ill take the grips off and look.

 

[Art Doc]

Sounds like a Military & Police Model from the 1930s that was returned for service at some point.