S&W I.D. help
Have an older S&W revolver without model number markings. It looks like a "J" frame, 38 S&W, five shot, 4 inch bbl. The right side markings: barrel marked "38 S&W CTG", frame (forward and below cylinder marked "MADE IN U.S.A., MARCAS REGISTRADAS, SMITH & WESSON, SPRINGFIELD, MASS". The left side: barrel marked "SMITH & WESSON", typical S&W logo under cylinder latch.
The serial number (if gun laying on right side) would read 80889, (if gun laying on left) would read 68808.
With cylinder open the frame is marked "L, 84011", the cylinder crane is also marked "84011". I assume these are assembly numbers.
It also has a bright yellow filler piece that extends the grip and converts it from round grip to square grip. Always hated that yellow color. The grips are mother-of-pearl.
What is the correct way to read the serial number?
What is the correct model designation?
Anyone heard of that grip filler piece before?
Does it have much collector interest or value?
Thanks to all willing to share their knowledge on this inquiry.
The serial number (if gun laying on right side) would read 80889, (if gun laying on left) would read 68808.
With cylinder open the frame is marked "L, 84011", the cylinder crane is also marked "84011". I assume these are assembly numbers.
It also has a bright yellow filler piece that extends the grip and converts it from round grip to square grip. Always hated that yellow color. The grips are mother-of-pearl.
What is the correct way to read the serial number?
What is the correct model designation?
Anyone heard of that grip filler piece before?
Does it have much collector interest or value?
Thanks to all willing to share their knowledge on this inquiry.
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The serial# is read off the bottom of grip with the right side of frame layng down. 0 -
The grip piece you describe sounds like a "Tyler Grip Adapter".Does it look like what's on the bottom gun in the picture below? 
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Agree with the "Terrier" call, that became the Model 32 when Smith moved to numbered models beginning in 1957.
Serial numbers are stamped with the most significant digit toward the trigger guard running to the least significant at the rear of the grip. Example:
(trigger/trigger guard) [grip strap] (back strap of the grip)
> 80889
>
As for pinning down the date of mfg. Post-war production was from 1948 to 1974 and the s/n range is 54472 to 122678 And the serial number range is taken from the Regulation Police Series. However, your's is not a numbered model so it is per-1957 or very early '57 and if there is no upper sideplate screw it was made between 1955 and the start of Model numbering in 1957. If it is a 5 screw, given the s/n I'd guess it at around 53-54. If it has the leaf instead of the coil mainspring then it is pre-1953 ... to come closer you would need to get a letter from S&W which would run you $30.
Collector interest exists and in top condition, with original box and papers, the revolver could bring $400+
Also there is still a good market for "carry" use and if the revolver is in good or better condition, without box or paperwork, it should still bring $250-300+
As for the "filler" I'm not exactly sure what your talking about since you say it is used to convert the revolver to a square butt. Tyler and other similar devices provided more grip surface but they did not convert from round to square as they were on the inside of the grip strap ... whatever it is I'd need to see a picture of it, but I'm pretty sure that it's not a Tyler product.
Hope this helps.
If you only have time to do two things so-so, or one thing well ... do the one thing!0
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