Basically you will never be able to find out. If you call S&W they can tell you when it left the factory.
about 1919
It was manufactured in 1920.
Proofhouse.com has Colt sn data.
That Colt police positive special with serial # 594826was manufactured in 1951.
38 special is only a revolver caliber. that's like saying a 44 magnum revolver or a 500 special revolver. a revolver is a revolver
if double action revolver it was probably made about 1923
Anything is possilble. The only way to know for sure is to get it lettered by Colt
this question should be under Colt Firearms section
It depends on what you mean. A .38 revolver may be a .38 special, but there are other types of .38 besides just the special round.
38 special
contact mfg. but if in good condition worth about $550.00 taken from Modern Gun Values 14th edition
Call Smith and Wesson at 800-331-0852 at extension 2905. Give them the serial number and they will quickly give the year.