Call S&W and they will tell you when it left the factory.
No such marking with that many numbers and letters in that configuration was ever put on a S&W
It depends on what condition the gun is in,markings on the gun,and what the history of the gun is.
The value of a nickel plated SW 38 Special gun depends on its condition. This gun in excellent condition is valued between 320.00 and 400.00 as of 2014.
50-300 USD or so
Local gun shop, gun show, Blue Book of Gun values, on line auctions.
20-100 USD depending on specifics
Depending on EXACTLY what it is, 25-2500 USD or more.
10-1000 USD depending on specifics.
Blue Book of Gun Values
value depends on overall condition and gun model..............
Value of ANY gun is based on make, model, condition. There is not enough information in your question to answer it.
The 1888 was never made in .38-55. If your gun is marked 38W, then it is a .38-40, if it's marked .38-55, then it is not an 1888, but probably a 1893. No way to give you a value, as I don't know what you've got, nor could I tell you without a few pictures of the gun. The 1888 was only offered in .44-40, .38-40, and .32-20, not .38-55. Values depend on the model, and condition. If your gun is a .38-55, it is not an 1888, so I don't know what model you have.