Hi All

Could anyone please assist me in identifying a revolver left to me by my grandfather. It is a blued 38 Smith and Wesson snub with a wheel that wings out to the left as you are holding the gun in a firing position. It has a blued finish and the hammer is bobbed (note hammer the same case finish colour as trigger-not blued). The hammer bobbing was either done by a very good smith or it came from the factory like this.

The only useful identifying marks I can find on the gun are an H stamped on the frame underneath the grip (left side at the bottom of the frame under the grip-you have to remove the grip to see it) and the serial number stamped on the bottom of the frame at the very bottom of the grip (ie you have to turn the gun upside to see the serial number. Serial number is 78xxx.

I would be most grateful for any assistance please.

How many rounds does it hold? Fixed sights or adjustable?

Welcome! Is there a letter (C or D) in front of the 78xxx?

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

How many rounds does it hold?

The EXACT caliber inscribed on right side of barrel ("38" is not enough).

On most models the serial is on the butt and there may be letters. Have you provided the full and complete serial?

If made after 1957 the model number will be stamped on frame under the cylinder arm.

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No life story has happy end.

Hi folks exact caliber on barrel is 38 spl, it takes 5 rounds and has fixed sights-well back sight is not really a sight-just a channel which runs along the top of the frame. There is no letter at all before the 78xxx serial number.

Welcome to the forum.

You have a "Model .38 Chiefs Special" from ~ the 2nd quarter of 1956.

It was assigned the "Model 36" in June of 1957.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

The closest Chiefs Special SN on my list is 803xx which shipped in 5/56. Yours will be close to that date.

I'm getting better at this. Good job all.

Thank you folks-great job

Hi Hondo44 and DWalt any idea where I can find an approximate value on this weapon please? Not really sure if it is desirable/collectible but it works like a charm!

I doubt anyone would have an idea of gun prices in South Africa. In the USA, depending upon condition, they would likely sell at retail in the $300-$500 (USD) range. With the original box and paperwork, $100-$150 more could be added if the gun is in excellent condition and otherwise original. In your case, the bobbed hammer would detract from its value, but it would not be difficult to find a replacement hammer, at least in the USA. I do not believe the hammer came from S&W bobbed. The Chiefs Special revolvers are fairly common here, as they were very popular. The more desirable and valuable ones here will have somewhat lower serial numbers than yours.

Actually barrel says 38 S&W SPL.

S&W 38 RHS.jpg

S&W 38 LHS.jpg