What’s the best way of dating an old S&W revolver? I have a .38 Special S&W. On the left side of the barrel it appears to read “GB S&W Special” “U.S. Service CTG’s” On the right side it reads “Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA PAT’D Apr 19 89, March 27 94, May 02 95, July 26 96,Aug 04 96, Dec 22 96, Oct 4 98, Oct 8 91, Dec 17 01” The serial starts with 55xxx
S&W forum has lots of oldsters that think plastic is only for cheap children's toys. They eat stuff like your request up and love it.
Are you sure thats 38 special? It sounds like it might be a 38 S&W cartridge. A touch shorter than a 38sp but can often still chamber the 38sp, with a touch of difficulty and more than a touch of dangerousness. Be careful until you confirm it whichever way it is. Nemo
It was my grandfather’s and the barrel says 38, but he had it loaded with .38sp when I got it and I never really thought about it TBH
Seriously, the old fudds at http://smith-wessonforum.com/ are gonna answer quickly with more details than you want.
Y’all weren’t kidding...I already received a bunch of replies http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/547453-help-identify-old-s-w-38-a.html
You put up a pic - there are lots of old fudds very happy today. Good for you. Glad they are helping and not telling you "It would be better with a pic...." over and over and over again. You got year of make, number made, caliber used, the version yours is, and some other stuff - all within 40 minutes. BTW, nice old pistol.
I hope you noted one reply mentioned the Letter of Authenticity and date of shipping note from S&W. Spend the $75 to get it and you will enhance the value by $100-$150 once you have it. Nemo