Thanks for the info, fellas. It's the oldest J-frame with model number that I've run across. To be honest, I haven't usually paid much attention to the J frames; however, I have that C&R FFL now!

I've got a Detective Special that I bought brand new in 1987. The additional size and extra round made it appealing.

I'm not really hankering for this Model 36. I just had assumed that the flat latches were on the pre-model number guns, so this one stood out to me.

Great pic there, GA Johnny. The one I saw looks much like yours, condition-wise.