Chiefs special questions

tlawler · #1 10-20-2017, 09:39 AM

I have someone locally that wants to trade a nickel model 36 that he says is a 1954 gun for a Seecamp .32 I have on Armslist. It looks like it has a later style latch, not a flat latch. There is no discernible serial number on the butt. He says serial number is 35451. When I asked him if it was refinished, he replied: “it was polished out some time ago because S&W wouldn’t refinish it because of its age.” His first text was: “Consider a trade for a SW “1954 Chiefs Special” Model 36 flat butt in 38special ammo, speed loader and holster included.”
I’m going to request some clearer pics, but the one of the yoke assembly does look like the number 35451, with no model number, which would make it a pre-36, right? But weren’t the serial numbers on the butt and later moved to the yoke? Also the grips should be diamond magnas, correct? Thanks for any help.

bwdilli · #2 10-20-2017, 09:45 AM

You're correct in your assessment. Removing that serial was a big no-no. I'd stay away from that gun, not worth it.

Inusuit · #3 10-20-2017, 09:55 AM

I'll defer to people with more expertise, but I am suspicious of the revolver. I think it should have the serial number on the butt and diamond magna grips. As far as I can tell, the serial number is probably 1954.

I'd pass on the trade.

Arik · #4 10-20-2017, 10:00 AM

I'm far from an expert but as far as I know ALL S&W revolvers had s# on the butt. Some have the S# on the inside as well.....like in the picture....but ALL had them on the butt. If someone even accidentally took off the S# while trying to polish the gun its still a big no-no and I'd avoid it

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

tlawler · #5 10-20-2017, 11:06 AM

You guys are spot on, I think. There are just too many questions. No serial number on the butt(big red flag), wrong grips, wrong latch, looks like a second rate re-nickel, etc., etc. He did emai two more pictures, but they don’t have the resolution I was hoping for. The one showing the ampersand on the barrel is too blurry to even tell if it’s a lazy ampersand, though it does look like it.

I’m just a neophyte collector and can only do my due diligence through the help of guys like you on the board that are willing to offer their expertise for only a heartfelt thank you. So Thank You!

I have another guy willing to offer me $100 more than I’m asking if I’ll just accept a cashiers check and let someone else pick it up since he is too busy “moving and selling multiple properties”

Gotta love those people from Niger...they are persistent!

SAFireman · #6 10-20-2017, 11:17 AM

In most cases, possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number is a felony. I would steer waaaaaaayyyy far clear from that mess.

apollo99 · #7 10-20-2017, 11:49 AM

Run Forrest, Run.

Old_Cop · #8 10-20-2017, 12:33 PM

Mmmm, I think I'd pass and you should too.

Bajadoc · #9 10-20-2017, 12:46 PM

Looking at that gun gives me the same feeling as when a cop is driving behind me. Be very careful.

tlawler · #10 10-20-2017, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bajadoc

Looking at that gun gives me the same feeling as when a cop is driving behind me. Be very careful.

My thoughts exactly. I demurred by telling him it wasn’t original and that I really just need the money from the sale (to buy another Smith

)

tlawler · #11 10-20-2017, 02:16 PM

Here was his response:
“Thanks for the interest i was waiting for you to say yea or nay before i agreed to sell it tomorrow to a guy i traded with before. Personally I wouldn’t part with that Seacamp but i had to make an offer LOL.
This 36 was the wife’s uncle a Lieutenant in the NYPD who carried it on the job. Before he passed he had the blueing removed and had it polished. If it was still blue it would be worth almost $650.
Thanks for the interest”

Anglergator · #12 10-20-2017, 02:45 PM

Good advice from other members. This gun had a few red flags. With the seller's story about a Lt. on the NYPD using it as a carry gun, what LEO in his right mind what carry a gun with the serial number defaced? Sounds like the seller had a load of BS to trade along with an illegal gun.

apollo99 · #13 10-20-2017, 02:49 PM

Wow $650, I should have bought all the NYPD model 36 off dutys the guys were selling for $50 and $100 when we were issued the Glock 19. I would be sitting on a lot of money right now, or not as the case may be. Anglergator is correct even with 41,000 NYPD officers on the job in the late 80's , they were sticklers for what guns you carried, and which ones you owned. You would be fired and arrested if you were caught with a defaced firearm. They had no sense of humor about that stuff no matter what rank you held. The only exception was deep cover.

blasterp7 · #14 10-20-2017, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apollo99

Run Forrest, Run.

I would have to agree!

tlawler · #15 10-20-2017, 03:26 PM

Thanks for all the info, guys. I hadn’t realized that ALL S&W revolvers have the s/n on the butt. I thought it had been moved around over the years(though I did realize this revolver was missing it on the butt). I can see where it would be rather easy for someone to buy one with a s/n removed in one place if it was still visible on another part of the gun. Also a good reason to take the grips off of a revolver if they cover the butt when buying it just to make sure it hasn’t been defaced. Thanks to you guys, I’m learning more every day.

britbike1 · #16 10-20-2017, 05:45 PM

RUN FAST, RUN FAR!

two-bit cowboy · #17 10-20-2017, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlawler

I hadn’t realized that ALL S&W revolvers have the s/n on the butt.

They don't.

One example is the .32 Regulation Police of old. They have a round butt with square butt stocks that cover the butt. The sn is stamped on the front of the grip frame.

Another example is a Model 36 with a lanyard ring, originally made for the Navy in 1977. Supposedly there were 112 guns that were overrun production in case the Navy rejected some of its 2,000-gun shipment with "U.S." stamped on the back strap. The Navy didn't reject any -- as the story goes -- so the company made the back strap stamp read, "Made in U.S.A." and sold the 112 guns on the civilian market. The sn is stamped on the frame inside the yoke.

I'm still learning, too. The goal is to help each other do just that, ya'?

Slàinte,

Bob