S + w 38

[thenutter]

My dad just got a Smith and Wesson 38 special CTG from his mother. She inherited it when her uncle was killed in the line of duty as a police officer in Ok city. I know absolutely nothing about old weapons and would apprecciate any help on dating it and value. I don't have pictures but will try to get over there tomorrow to get some.
Here's the markings he told me about.

Left Barrell: Smith and Wesson
Left hand grip: S+W Logo
Right Barrell: 38 special Smith and Wesson Special CTG
Right Frame: Made in USA
Marcus Registradas
Smith and Wesson
Springfield, Mass
Right frame just above hand grip: Trademark Smith and Wesson
S+W Logo
Regular U.S. Pat. Off.
Serial #: C 164132

 

[Radagast]

thenutter:
Your dad has a S&W .38 Military & Police revolver manufactured between March 22 1948 & the end of 1951. Serial range for those years was C1 to C223998.
In 1957 the Military & Police was designated the Model 10 and with a number of design changes remains in production today.
The M&P/Model 10 has been around since 1899, with several million produced, so they are not particularly rare. In excellent condition the current value would be around $350, maybe a little bit higher.

It should be safe to shoot with any modern standard pressure or PlusP marked .38 Special cartridge. Do not shoot any ammunition marked +P+ as there is no industry standard for such pressure levels.

All S&Ws produced after WWII have an internal hammer block safety, so it is safe to keep all six chambers loaded.

Spare parts if needed can be sourced from www.gunpartscorp.com

 

[thenutter]

Thank you very much for the quick education. Since this was his duty weapon, there is no intention to fire it or sale it. It was more for informational purposes.