I have now received the S&W Chief's Special 2" 38 Spl. my father carried years ago. SN is 70xxx. Would appreciate any help identifying date of manufacture.

Any prefix to the number on the butt?

If not presuming this is a Model 36, then 1955.

If a J up front then '69 -'70.

Picture would help those that know, which is not I.

Misread the digits. SN on butt and underside of barrel is 17xxx, no prefix.

Wow, an early Chief Special "Baby J" frame. Look like one of these:


Which front sight do you have, grooved or smooth?

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Grooved FS, with flat cylinder release latch, as in the photo.

Your "Baby Chief" ought to have shipped in the latter part of 1952. How about posting a photo?

__________________
SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Wow that is super early. Would love to see pictures. That is one to keep forever with the family history behind it. Any idea if he got it new?

It was bought used in the early 1980s and has been in the family since then. It's in very good condition, but I have no other history. I'm thinking of contacting S&W for a more detailed history?

I'll post some pics when I get a chance to take them in the next few days. Thanks.

A factory letter will give you, besides a general history of the model you're authenticating, the exact date it was shipped and to whom. In this era, there's always the possibillity it was sent directly to an individual who might be interesting, such as a law enforcement official, a member of the military, a politician, et cetera. But the chances are far greater that it will have gone to a distributor, or to ABC Sporting Goods or XYZ Hardware or an equally unremarkable retailer.

__________________
SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"