Hey all,
I recently picked up a nickel plated model 36 chief's special. I want to give it to my mother as a birthday present for her carry pistol. It is in near mint condition and is probably a 90% gun. I have been scouring everywhere trying to date it, and then realized that I might as well ask the experts.
On the cylinder swing out it is stamped "MOD. 36" and on the arm it says "88648". Under the grip itself (covered when grip is on) it is stamped with a very large "N" and then below that "88648". Also, on the bottom of the grip (where im used to seeing serial numbers) it says "671591". Any info you can get me on this would be extremely appreciated. I will post pictures as soon as i figure out how.

Thanks in advance.
JRB

Hi
671591 is the serial number and the gun probably shipped in 1967, maybe 1968.
88648 is a process number and doesn't mean a thing now.
As for the N on the side of the grip frame, I wonder if there is a corresponding N on the rear face of the cylinder. Usually this will be in both places if the gun was finished in nickel. It just confirms what you have told us - it is a nickel finished Chiefs Special. Your mom will love it.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

Ok,
Thats great! I bought my dad one years ago made in 1966 in blued i believe. Out of curiosity, What are these roughly worth nowadays? I got an insanely good deal on it price wise, but was curious what they actually would bring (purely for curiosity's sake).

I think she will like it because she loves my 637 airweight and these are built on the same frame if im not mistaken. I will try and get pictures up shortly

Here are the pictures. It has not been cleaned since the last range trip. (the hazing, discoloration, and light scratches arent actually there in person, just a by product of the camera)

Attached Images

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	image1-1.jpg (126.0 KB, 47 views)

Almost positive it would be 1968. I have several SNs listed which have a little lower SNs which shipped in the earlier months of 1968. A 36 in average condition with a blued finish will usually be $300-$350. One nickeled and in higher condition would be more if original, maybe around $400. What's the black thing on the hammer spur?

It is like a silicone cover of some kind. Almost resembles a vacuum cap from an older car. My guess is that it made it less harsh on the finger when cocking? I wasnt sure. the guy i got it from said it was like that when he got it and he never pulled it off.

Thread protector cap. Available in hardware stores. We "repurposed" the rubber caps from the coat hooks in the detective bureau to protect the linings of our sport coats.

Thanks for the memory.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

Ha! Glad it brought back a memory! I figured it was something like that, but wasnt sure. It feels great in the hand. I think shel love it! How common was this particular model? I imagine its less than the blued