Contact the manufacturer for a correct answer
No, and you shouldn't even use. 38 Special ammo in it, either. If it was made in the 1800s, it was probably chambered in .38 Long Colt, and that is the only ammo which is compatible with that revolver.
.38 special Stay away from the "+P" ammo
You can use 38 special.
The strongest ammo available for .38 (and for most any other caliber) is plus-P-plus. However, .38 special is not particularly effective against bears.
To my knowledge no .38 Special was ever rated for plus ammo. While the gun may not explode you may damage it or cause extensive wear.
A pistol rated to fire .38 +P ammunition is still going to be a .38 Special pistol, and can use regular .38 Special ammunition. .357 Magnum revolvers are also capable of chambering and firing .38 Special loads - regular, +P, and +P+ included.
You need to contact Colt for a correct answer.
no
Yes. Shooting a lot will accelerate wear on the gun, but occasional use is OK.
Contact S&W.
.38 S&W. NOT .38 Special, but .38 S&W.
Yes. The 44 magnum can fire 44 special ammo in the same way a .357 magnum can use .38 Special.