pre S&W model 36

9200 · #1 02-24-2017, 12:16 AM

This says Smith and Wesson 38 chiefs special on the box
the serial number under the Grips is 76071
I have the box in really good condition, cleaning brush and manual.
I have no idea how to post a picture on here but will try.
Can someone tell me the year made and the value.
Thanks Jer

murphydog · #2 02-24-2017, 12:27 AM

Welcome! Your Chiefs Special has the upper sideplate screw and the larger trigger guard, which puts it in the 1953-55 time frame. This one likely lands at the later end, perhaps into early 1956.

It's a very nice example finish-wise and would probably be in the $600 range due to that, along with the original box and contents. Hope this is helpful.

Twiki357 · #3 02-24-2017, 12:37 AM

As far as I can tell, your gun would have shipped in the 1953 to 1955 range.
No idea as to the value, but with the box, etc., I would guess at least $600+ and maybe more.

two-bit cowboy · #4 02-24-2017, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9200

This says Smith and Wesson 38 chiefs special on the box
the serial number under the Grips is 76071
I have the box in really good condition, cleaning brush and manual.
I have no idea how to post a picture on here but will try.
Can someone tell me the year made and the value.
Thanks Jer

Howdy Jer, and welcome aboard from Wyoming.

You have a very nice looking Chiefs Special.

If by "under the Grips" you mean the bottom of the frame on the gun's butt, yes, that is the serial number. The same number should be stamped in the back (inside) of the right stock (grip), but you'll have to carefully remove the stocks (don't bugger up the screw) to see it. The back of the cylinder and a few other places should have the same number. Also, is that number hand-written on the bottom of the box?

If all these numbers match your Chiefs' value exceeds $600 by a fair bit, but value is often determined by a buyer's willingness to pay the price.

Cheers,

Bob

haywood · #5 02-24-2017, 09:28 PM

I love the looks of the flat latch Snubs.

9200 · #6 02-25-2017, 12:54 AM

I posted a picture of bottom of the box and that has the same number, and it is hand written. The back of the grip has the same number. But for some reason under the cylinder or crane it has 94795? and I noticed the part or frame that the cylinder sit in has 94795 also.
I have had this gun about 30 years. My bosses wife's parent used to shoot trap and skeet. His parents passed away and had many different guns. He new I was a hunter and also shot lots of trap, skeet, and then mostly sporting clays. I also enjoyed the gun shows and then started buying shotguns and rifles that striked my fancy and could shoot. He asked me about the value of the guns he had and that he wanted to sell them all because he did not want them in the house. I the blue book of values and brought it along and told him what he could sell them for.
Then he wanted to know what I would give him for everything. about 17 or 18 different shot guns and rifles. Now I was just starting my own construction business some my funds were few. I tried to tell him he could get a lot more money selling them separately by himself. Know he worked with my wife for many years. They were good friends and through her lifetime has got her many different jobs. I am sure he just wanted me to have them. I don't know the exact price I gave him,but it wasn't anywhere near the value I told him he could get. I ended up with 4 back surgery's and 1 neck surgery, And they want to fuse all 7 vertebrae. I refuse to do that. Just because of the pain everyday from the fusion in the back. I am sitting here right now with ice on both. that is every night. So Years ago I had to give up hunting and shooting of shotguns because it takes the neck out right there. I was always a shotgun rifle man. shot a couple handguns years ago but that was it.
This year I got the bug to shoot something. and I inherited a colt trooper 38 special 4 inch. I took some lesons and Gander mountain academy . Then took my conceal carry. Now the bug bit. There was a small gunshop that opened about 3 miles from me. I purchased a really nice early used 686 no dash. also found a S&w 29-4 44 magnum that was cheap. but blueing really flaking off. sorry guys I am usually a purest but don't plan to sell it even though it took my neck out at the range. But 2 weeks ago I sent it back to S&W to have it reblued. It was really flaking.
I am really really sorry for my long lifes story. And I may piss alot of people off because of it. But I don't know why I never got into the hand guns years ago. I am having a great time again. And I have to admit the acions on the smith beat anything else I have tried.
Thanks for your time. Jerry

Jimmyjones · #7 02-25-2017, 01:29 AM

Good post ! and welcome to the forum !

It was a Model 36 that started me down the S&W path. Watch out, it's a slippery slope !

The numbers on the yoke and frame are assembly numbers from the factory, they're meaningless now.

JP@AK · #8 02-25-2017, 10:28 AM

You did well picking up that relatively early Chiefs Special, box and all. Nice!

I enjoyed reading your story. Anyone who doesn't like it, doesn't have to read it. I suspect lots of guys here will be happy you wrote. Thanks for sharing.

I hope your back pain eases a bit and that you still have many years left to enjoy shooting your revolvers.

loeman · #9 02-25-2017, 10:54 AM

Congratulations on acquiring your really nice pre 36! Getting the box etc. is a nice bonus too. I also enjoyed reading your post and wish you the best.