I lucked into a NIB 1955 Model 36, to include all the paperwork and cleaning rod/brush. I'm wondering what the value might be. It is wrapped in the original protective paper and has never been fired. Thanks for the help.

That's a great find! I want to say around $600, but I'm more familiar with shooter grade Chiefs Specials. Someone will be along to give you a more accurate idea of value.

It depends. If you are taking the age of the gun from the printed date on the inside of the box top, that is when the text there was last revised; it is not the gun's production date. If this is the case, if you could post a partial serial number from the bottom of the grip frame with any letter in front (J 123xxx), or better still a photo, someone will be along with a value. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Hi,

In California a unfired Chiefs special with box and all is $700 to $800. Lets see some pictures. I have a 36 no dash in less than pristine condition and the gun still brings in the $400 range.

roaddog28

Maj Tom, Welcome to the Forum. What color is the box? Ed.

I plan to get some pics up soon. The serial number is 55xxxx and the box is blue. Included in the paperwork is the original warranty card and the NRA card.

The standard SN reference is vague on J frames, but based on the 550000 number my best guess would be a 1965 production date.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

If the gun is stamped Model 36 on the frame (in the yoke cut-out) and the box says Model 36 on it, it is post-1957. '57 is the year they got model numbers. Before that, the steel J frame .38 was just called the Chief Special.

Sounds like a great gun to acquire!

It is stamped with mod 36. Therefore I was off by a decade, not that it matters. Now I just have to decide what I want to do with it; shoot it, save it as is, or sell it....

Thanks to all who answered. I moved to the right forum and posted pictures....