The Really Old Chief's Special Thread

[Malysh]

I might as well stick my old one in this thread, even though I recently posted it.

SN 38953, probably late 1953 or 1954.

 

[Bent-Twig]

Twig, yours is rather nice as well. The early ones are quite tough to find in any sort of decent condition.

Thank you! I need to find a beater that I can carry now!

 

[DBWesson]

Has anybody seen the pre model 36 3" Nickel with a red box in
Carol Watson's Orange Coast Auction?
DB

 

[DBWesson]

Hammer Price $1700 plus juice.
DB

 

[Hondo44]

Hammer Price $1700 plus juice.
DB

Yes. It was mis-labeled as a Pre-Model 36. It's not, it's a Baby J (pre Model of 1953); very scarce in a 3" and nickel to boot! Therefore the selling price estimate was way underpriced.
http://www.auctionzip.com/aflive.html?method=getCatalogLots&catalogref=PT4OCXTMH4&page=7&orderby=1

But whoever won it at $1700 knew exactly what it was.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Here is my Baby:

 

[OldDominion]

The recent acquisition of the half moon January '52 Baby (factory re-finish) filled out the Chiefs Special section of my Centennial Catalog collection. The other Chief is a smooth ramp model, and the Airweight is a '53 with the aluminum cylinder.
Jan. '52
May '52
Pre37 Sept. '53

 

[George_in_SD]

Old Dominion, I'm noticing the sight blade looks taller on the early Pre 37, as compared to the baby chiefs. I have not noticed this before now; anyone care to comment? I'd hate to think I'm being fooled by camera angles.


Here is a pre 37 with an alloy cylinder that I owned at one time:

 

[OldDominion]

The blade definitely looks taller on both AWs George. May have something to do with the light weight and recoil affecting point of aim- impact. But then at the distances these were designed to be used, I can't imagine it would matter too much. Lee

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

Good Eye George.....My Pre 37(steel Cylinder) also has a taller ramp as compared to my Baby Chiefs and my 36 no dash.

 

[Twiki357]

This is a very interesting thread. So I guess I have to throw mine into the mix. A Chiefs Special Airweight, Factory nickel, flat latch dates to 1957.

Sorry for the poor quality picture.

 

[IceCreamMan]

I've posted this baby in other threads but it fits nicely here... serial #588

 

[DBWesson]

What is a Model 53? Do you chief guys have your own models?
Is it the elongated trigger guard year?
DB

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

What is a Model 53? Do you chief guys have your own models?
Is it the elongated trigger guard year?
DB

A model 53 is a Chiefs Special Target....I think

 

[mbliss57]

I looked at my last post...it was the 1st Baby I ever bought in 2012.
here are a couple more.
SN 37744 Lettered Oct 1953 with original nickel finish



SN 35920 with original box shipped July 29 1953



I also have a smooth ramp front sight I cant find a pick of right now.
S/N 12041 May 1952

 

[thepianolist]

Bought this around the same time I got my .32 Safety Hammerless. It's not perfect but I think it is all original. Is this the last of the flat latch models?

Bryant

 

[Hondo44]

Bought this around the same time I got my .32 Safety Hammerless. It's not perfect but I think it is all original. Is this the last of the flat latch models?

Bryant

That's a beauty and the whole package! Yes its is the last flat latch, 3rd style, a J frame Model 30-1 made between Jan 1961 and 1966.

 

[thepianolist]

Thanks, Jim! I came here originally when I was looking for information on High Standard "space guns" but this IS a Smith & Wesson forum so I thought I would join in with a couple of mine.

Bryant

 

[George_in_SD]

Bryant, thank you for providing me with an interesting tangent to read about. Space-guns are rather nifty.

 

[hotrod150]

What is a Model 53? Do you chief guys have your own models?
Is it the elongated trigger guard year?
DB

Nobody answered thios one...per SCSW, the model 53 is a k-frame chambered for the 22 Jet cartridge.