hey guys, let me run a brief description of my S&W by you:
It is a nickel plated k frame revolver sn#8536XX that # is on the cylinder under the barrel and on the bottom of the grips.
the barrel says "Smith & Wesson" on one side; "38 S. & W. CTG" on the other; and "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. U.S.A" "Patented Feb.6.06. Sept.14.09. Dec.29.14" in 2 lines on the top. the barrel is 5 inches long (from the cylinder), and has the half moon sight on the front.
the frame has the S&W emblem on the right side between the top of the grips and the cylinder (it is about an inch tall). but does not say made in usa or have any other markings on the frame. when the grips are on the gun there are 3 screws visible on the right side, one screw is hidden by the grips and there is another one at the front of the trigger guard.
I was told when i got the firearm that it was bought used in texas in 1956, and had sat in a drawer since then. the nickel is about 80%, but i suspect it was redone because the "Smith & Wesson" on the side of the barrel has less of an imprint with the "S" and the "N" than it does in the middle. also the trigger and hammer are nickel plated. at some point the cylinder was altered, it fits .38 special and .38 S&W cartridges.
from what i have seen on this thread i would guess it was a new police model, and based on the serial number likely the late 30's. Is that accurate? i realize it wouldn't have much of a collectors value with the alterations, but what would you guys put as a ballpark value on it? (I have $250 in it and was offered $300 by a guy at the range the day after i got it.)