This has been sitting in a drawer since it was bought new. I doubt it has been fired since it belonged to my mother in law who didn't even know how to load it, and is 94 y.o. It didn't dawn on me that this could be unfired until I wiped some of the old gun oil off. I know the model 37 is a hard one to determine age. I thought that there is enough expertise here to get a ball park on age and value. Serial #1425XX, and has additional numbers on crane; 16990, a larger number 6 and two other small stamped numbers a 7 and 5. Thanks for whatever help you can give.

Attached Images

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	20200920_130836.jpg (152.6 KB, 151 views)

Without box, I would say $600 or so.

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That’s a beauty!
I think flat latch ended in 1966 or so.
In determining value, make sure the frame is not cracked in the yoke area on the flat spot of the frame under the barrel. (Ask me how I know)

You know if you sell it, you have to give MIL the money.....

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Forum consigliere

First, talk it over with your wife!!!...give MIL what she would get from a local shop, after you explain it to her IMHO $300 aprox...if you are going to sell it, forget this post!

From what I have found it seems to be between 1958 and 1961. I hoped someone who is crazy into J frames would be able to narrow it. As far as selling it, I have always tried to sell to someone that knows exactly what he/she is buying, even if someone who know less offers more, That has made for me getting a better night's sleep

For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50 and pre model number versions.

1950 = start at 1
1952 = 7369 - 21342
1953 = 28916
1955 = 55050 - 75000
1957 = 117770 - 125000
1962 = starts at 295000
1969 = ends at 786544

J serial Prefix serial numbers.
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50.

1969-1970 = J1 - J99999
1971-1972 = 1J1 - 999J99
1973-1974 = J100000 - J250000
1975-1976 = J250001 - J370000
1976-1977 = J370001 - J610000
1977-1978 = J610001 - J670000
1979-1980 = J670001 - J760000
1981 = J760001 - J915400
1982 = J915401 - 1J18600
1983 = 1J18601 - 1JXXXX

1955 - 4 screw side plate ends
1957 - stamping of model number at 125000
1966 - flat latch ends
1968 - diamond grips end
1975 - heavy barrel standard
1982 - end pinned barrel

Nice early 37. Unfired, no goodies, $625 and up. As long as frame is
not cracked. A delight to carry.

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

Well that is a beauty
I had a model 38 flat latch
They are great guns
I would think 600 would be a fair price
Excellent gun to have at home
Not sure why she would sell it
I know I would love to find one this nice
Love those original grips
Stay safe out there
Thank you for sharing it with us
God Bless,John

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Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

Other ones close to your serial number in my database shipped in early 1959.

I just lost an online auction for one in that condition yesterday. My high bid was $799.99. It did have the box, tools and paperwork, though. The whole package carries a premium.

Before model numbers, your MIL's Airweight was called the ".38 Chiefs Special Airweight." Model numbers began around serial number 130XXX in 1958 as far as my database shows.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Thanks, Any idea what those numbers on the crane mean?

Those other numbers were likely used in the factory to keep the parts together with the frame as it went through the production process.

The don't really mean anything now.

Check under the barrel just in front of the cylinder to see if there is a crack. Cracks in that location are a problem for early airweights.

Cracks reduce the value to the paper weight level, as they are no longer safe to shoot.

As Cal suggested, those numbers are "assembly numbers." There
would have been three: one on the yoke (Colt calls it the crane),
one on the frame in the yoke cut, and one on the inside of the
side plate.

Their value now is to confirm the revolver has its "original" parts.

Cheers.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Finally got back from wildfire evacuation and had time to look more closely at the gun. The grip is numbered to the serial number on the heel of the frame. No crack in frame. There is a 5 digit number stamped on the frame under the grip. 16990. Any idea what that number refers to? Thanks again. The folks on this forum are great.

Attached Images

numbered grip.jpg (60.2 KB, 19 views)

In your original post, you said the crane (yoke) had the number 16990. That number assured that the yoke found its way back onto the right frame which was marked with the same number.
George

So i have to ask, since nobody has volunteered it; What causes the frame to crack?

Shooting it, too much, with too hot ammo.....the aluminum frame just isn’t up for lots of hot rounds.

It is believed that some had the barrels torqued just a bit too much. I had a 642 that cracked pretty much right out of the box. S&W replaced it.

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Only a cold warrior