Roy said, "I think it is an important [Chiefs Special]...." Letter arrived

two-bit cowboy · #1 04-23-2018, 06:38 PM

After I joined the S&W Collectors Association I asked Roy for the ship date on this Chiefs Special. He also said, "... and should be lettered." I sent the request that day.

Roy's letter and the shipment invoice are attached as a pdf. There's much general information in Roy's letter about Chiefs Specials that oft' gets misquoted.

This is what contemporary collectors call a "Model of 1953," the model that followed the "Baby Chiefs." Hondo44 had previously told me this is the lowest recorded serial number Model of 1953 in his database, but I've found at least two others with 46XXX numbers owned by forum members.

Watchdog · #2 04-23-2018, 06:45 PM

Beautiful old gun, what's not to like? And provenance that will keep it interesting to collectors for another generation or two. Congratulations on your acquisition.

Hondo44 · #3 04-23-2018, 10:51 PM

Outstanding, you have a Chiefs Spl with company history!
I don't recall; are the grips numbered to match the gun?

Also, do you have ship dates for the two lower numbered M of 1953 Chiefs?

two-bit cowboy · #4 04-23-2018, 11:05 PM

No, the grips don't number to the gun. Each grip has 37 on the back (photo).

I'll send a pm with those other two Chiefs' ship dates.

Hondo44 · #5 04-23-2018, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two-bit cowboy

No, the grips don't number to the gun. Each grip has 37 on the back (photo).

I'll send a pm with those other two Chiefs' ship dates.

Actually that's to be expected; special orders had no need for a stamped # to match it to the gun because we know a special order is special handled. There's little doubt for me that the grips are original. Unless of course they don't fit the grip frame well which is not the case in your photos.

Thx for the PM.

JP@AK · #6 04-23-2018, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by two-bit cowboy

After I joined the S&W Collectors Association I asked Roy for the ship date on this Chiefs Special. He also said, "... and should be lettered." I sent the request that day.

Roy's letter and the shipment invoice are attached as a pdf.

As you promised, you posted the letter. Thanks!!!

A very cool gun with great provenance.

Quote:

There's much general information in Roy's letter about Chiefs Specials that oft' gets misquoted.

I must be missing something. What is in the letter that isn't known, at least among the more experienced and diligent collectors? Of course, I've been schooled by Jim, the best there is on small frame Smith revolvers.

Maybe I'm dense, but I didn't read anything surprising in that letter. Great letter, and very thorough; don't get me wrong.

CH4 · #7 04-23-2018, 11:55 PM

very cool! I always enjoy reading the letters.
Thanks for sharing.

FWIW, I am a past member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Makes the story a little more meaningful.

two-bit cowboy · #8 04-24-2018, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JP@AK

I must be missing something. What is in the letter that isn't known, at least among the more experienced and diligent collectors? Of course, I've been schooled by Jim, the best there is on small frame Smith revolvers.

Nothing in Roy's letter isn't "known." I'm also schooled by Jim.

I said it "oft' gets misquoted," which I see on a weekly basis 'round here (i.e., Baby Chiefs being called I-frames or pre-models).

two-bit cowboy · #9 04-24-2018, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

Actually that's to be expected; special orders had no need for a stamped # to match it to the gun because we know a special order is special handled. There's little doubt for me that the grips are original. Unless of course they don't fit the grip frame well which is not the case in your photos.

Thx for the PM.

Yes, Jim, your interpretation of the photos is correct. The grips fit the frame perfectly. It is, bar none, the nicest Chiefs in my hoard.

model3sw · #10 04-24-2018, 01:45 AM

At a Local show this past weekend a dealer had a blue Chief's Special Model 1953 in the 46xxx with same style flat lastch. I don't remember the last 3 but it was most assuredly a 46xxx serial number. I passed on it only because it did not appear to be anything special (to me). It was in fairly nice condition. He also had 2 early pre-model 25s in the S140xxx range that caught my eye.