If you call S&W, they will tell you when it left the factory.
It is a J frame.
S&W never made a detective special. Colt made the Detective Special
1942-45. Probably 38 special
K
62 years old
Impossible to answer witout a detailed description of all features and markings.
44 S&W Special is the caliber, not necessarily the make. If it IS a S&W, the Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson will have some information for you. So will S&W Customer Service.
No
Yes
No such caliber in the S&W line.
The 38 Smith and Wesson Special is the full name for the 38 Special cartridge or revolver caliber with that designation, and so it is the same thing. The 38 Smith and Wesson Special cartridge is not the same as the 38 Smith & Wesson cartridge or 38 Long Colt cartridge, and should not be able to fit into those revolvers, but in rare cases it may, so use caution. (See Related Links)
What you have posted is the caliber of a firearm- the .38 Smith & Wesson CARTRIDGE (different from a .38 Special) Many companies made revolvers in this caliber- not just the Smith & Wesson Company (they invented that cartridge, so they got the naming rights) If you can repost will ALL markings on the weapon, and a description, we MAY be able to provide some information. Sorry-