.357 question

[JIMF1968]

I have a S&W .357 revolver made in 1955. The serial number starts S158... I have an old letter from Smith and Wesson saying it is a Model 36-1.

My main question is about its value, as I am insuring some of my personal property and just want to have an estimate for that purpose. It is in good shape and in is in its original box (if that matters).

Any thoughts on this gun's value?

Thank you.

 

[colt_saa]

I have a S&W .357 revolver made in 1955. The serial number starts S158... I have an old letter from Smith and Wesson saying it is a Model 36-1.

My main question is about its value, as I am insuring some of my personal property and just want to have an estimate for that purpose. It is in good shape and in is in its original box (if that matters).

Any thoughts on this gun's value?

Thank you.

Welcome to the Forum

Unfortunately your description is incorrect.

Smith and Wesson firearms were not referred to by model number until 1957.

Your "S" prefix serial number indicates this is an N-frame revolver

However the model 36 is a 5 shot 38 Special built on the small J-frame

Additionally the 1st engineering revision (-1) of the model 36 did not occur until 1967

Perhaps if you posted photos of your revolver and a scan of this letter we can give you a better answer

 

[Mack]

With an S prefix SN made in 1955 it is an N frame not a J frame 36. A picture would help a lot.

 

[A10]

And Welcome to the Forum! If you could post pictures of the gun from both sides as well as one of the rear of the cylinder and the bottom of the grip frame we could be of more help. A picture of the letter would be good too!

 

[JIMF1968]

Thank you. The letter was not clearly written--it was in response to questions posed by my great uncle who wrote to S&W on behalf of my grandfather in 1981. I will try to post some pics later.

 

[JIMF1968]

I cannot figure out how to post the pictures. The forum won't let me upload them. Oh, well, thank you all anyway!

 

[Jack Flash]

HOW TO POST PICTURES (Easiest Way)

You can attach pictures directly as "thumbnails".

To attach directly

Open a post (can be a new one or one of your old ones)
Scroll down till you see the header "Attach Files"
Click on the "Manage Attachments" Button
Browse to where ever you have your pictures
Select the picture
Click Upload
Repeat till you upload all you want to.
​

 

[murphydog]

The only two possibilities for the model are a .357 Highway Patrolman (stamped on the right barrel, 4 or 6") or a .357 Magnum in any length from 3.5 to 8.375". The latter should have a highly polished finish and checkered top strap.

Value is dependent on condition, so if you cannot post photos a description of any finish or apparent mechanical wear, and the barrel length, will get you an estimate.

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum.

Something is amiss:

Does the S158XXX serial # on the gun match the s/n in the letter?

If the S&W letter is incorrect which it must be, you can return it to Roy Jinks, the historian, and he'll correct it. The Model 36 J frame was not produced in .357 Mag, except in its stainless version, the Mod 60, and not introduced until 1997.

 

[Texas Star]

Maybe two guns are involved, and the poster is getting the letters mixed up?

 

[Theoak84]

Welcome to the forum.

Something is amiss:

Does the S158XXX serial # on the gun match the s/n in the letter?

If the S&W letter is incorrect which it must be, you can return it to Roy Jinks, the historian, and he'll correct it. The Model 36 J frame was not produced in .357 Mag, except in its stainless version, the Mod 60, and not introduced until 1997.

The model 60 was made in 1997?

Ah nvm i got it. The 357 option didnt come until 1997.

 

[Hondo44]

The model 60 was made in 1997?

Must be read in context with the entire sentence.

 

[Theoak84]

Must be read in context with the entire sentence.

Still learning all the models, dates etc.

 

[JIMF1968]

Picture of the box.

 

[JIMF1968]

Picture of the pistol.

 

[JIMF1968]

The other side of the revolver.

 

[JIMF1968]

Letter page one

 

[JIMF1968]

Letter, page two.

 

[JIMF1968]

The serial number on the gun matches the one in the letter. My grandfather and great uncle must have asked about two different pistols. I don't know what they wrote to S&W and they have both long since passed away. The revolver clearly says .357 on the side, so I know what I have here. It has a 4 inch barrel.

 

[murphydog]

Page one of the letter (and the box) tells you the model, a .357 Magnum. A little confusing since that is also the chambering, but that is what happens when you introduce the first gun that uses it. Page two is from another history letter request .

It has a 5" barrel, measured cylinder face to muzzle, from the photo. I think $1000 would be a safe insurance value.