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From U.S. Cartridges and Their Handguns, by Charles Suydam (one of the real cartridge experts).
Quote
First chambered in the First Model Hand Ejector of 1899, the .38 Smith & Wesson Special cartridge was first made by UMC early in 1899; cartridges were sent to Smith & Wesson for trial in May of that year. Original loads were of 18 grains of black powder, with an overall cartridge length of 1.570". In June, 1899, the powder charge was changed to 21.5 grains; bullet weight was presumably the 158 grain still used. The first smokeless powder loadings were made in September, 1899, probably 3.6 grains of Bullseye. In 1908 the overall length wa reduced to 1.560"; when the present nominal length of 1.550" was adopted is not known.
Unquote.
The revolvers made for the military were marked "S&W .38 MIL.". Civilian guns were marked .38 S&W SPECIAL &/U.S. SERVICE CTG'S". The U.S. service cartridge was, of course, the cartridge we know as the .38 Long Colt.
The same cartridge was loaded as the .38 Colt Special starting in 1906; the only difference was that the "Colt" round had a flat point bullet which some considered as greatly increasing the "stopping power".
HTH
Jim
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