Please help me date a 5 digit, flat latch cheif special

Jim-W · #1 07-25-2012, 03:37 AM

Hey Guys, 'Nubie here on the forum.
Was walking thru LGS today, and spotted from the case what looked like an older Mod 31(sellers remorse, trying to find another one).

First thought it was an I frame. Picked it up, it's a flatlatch Chiefs Special, diamond grips, no top screw on sideplate, with 5 digit serial number (808xx). sort of rounded triggerguard I thought, later realized my 60y/o eyes were fooling me.

Has some blue rubbed off only one side of cylinder, (about 1/4 inch full length of cylinder), so must have been in glovebox etc. Also has some "pinhead" size pitting(rust) on left side of frame directly above cylinder. Not much, just enough to be seen, another rust spot on bottom of triggerguard towards grip that bothers me,about size of little fingernail. Locks up tight, no drag marks, probably 90% except for rust. Crusted grease inside yoke, not too bad overall.

Fast moving store so I put it up until tomorrow. Negotiated, but they are pretty firm at $350 out the door.
Can anyone date this one for me, and offer a suggestion on the price? I am guessing date around 1953-56 but don't have reference book, price seems a little steep because of small amount of rust, but low ser. # caught my eye. Sorry I have no pictures, store was about to close as I walked in.
Thanks for any help and advice...(and sorry for the long post)

Hondo44 · #2 07-25-2012, 04:55 AM

Welcome to the forum!
Made c. mid 1956, it's a pre model 36. Price is about right even with blemishes you describe. Would be about $500 in great condition. Stocks sound correct, but the serial # stamped on backside of right grip should match the gun. Better grab it if you like it. Round or square butt? Should look like this if a Sq butt:

Jim-W · #3 07-25-2012, 09:01 AM

Thanks Jim, It is a round butt. After considering it this morning, I think I'll go pick it up. Just not used to seeing even a small amount of rust, but something five years younger than me,with only that small amount of damage isn't too bad!

crsides · #4 07-25-2012, 11:21 AM

Go get it.

Charlie

JSR III · #5 07-25-2012, 12:03 PM

That's a good price on a great gun. To me, the model 10 and the Chief Special are two of the greatest revolvers ever to roll out of Springfield.

Vulcan Bob · #6 07-25-2012, 04:57 PM

Sounds like a good deal to me, the flat latch just does something for the Chief! Picked up a last of the non model marked ones a month or so ago that is pretty much in the same condition as yours for $345.00 with holster. Good shooter except for that narrow sight picture or is that just my eye's? Anyhoo,grab that one up!

Elroy · #7 08-09-2012, 11:18 PM

In regards to 5 screw pre-model 36 flat latch Chiefs Special, is a square butt configuration worth a premium over an identical condition round butt ??

Comments please

Hondo44 · #8 08-10-2012, 04:51 AM

The short answer, no. The 5 screw square butts were introduced later and are less common but also appear to have been less desirable when new based on sales, exactly as they are now, in my opinion. Therefore I have not noticed a premium. Other opinions may differ.

I actually prefer the square butt myself.

JSR III · #9 08-10-2012, 07:28 AM

Just for additional information, my LGS has one for $315. He would probably take $300 OTD. Almost brought it home but it too had some pitting and corrision spots so I let it go. I would probably have overlooked them on a Bekeart at 100 years old but for a 50's gun and one produced in large numbers, I decided to pass.