Recent content by two-bit cowboy

A Model 37 with a 150xxx serial number might have shipped in summer 1959. The last Chiefs Special Airweight without a model number is in the 131xxx range; however, Dr. Jinks said there were some in the 155xxx and 156xxx range without the MOD-37 stamp shipped in 1959/60. They were real anomalies.

Oh, thanks! "... that old." I too, shipped in 1952. :LOL::LOL::LOL:

My favorite, Richard, is the one at the bottom left in the last photo. Go figure! :love:

Thanks for the update. Here's the simple skinny on Chiefs Special Models 36 & 36-1. Model 36, 2" or 3" lightweight barrel, round or square butt, blue or nickel. (Model 36 3" lightweight barrel discontinued in 1976.) Model 36 2" replaced in 1988/89 by the Model 36-2 2". Model 36-1, 3" Heavy...

Sometimes it's tough to distinguish the 5th and 6th flat thumbpieces. Much easier if you see both from the top or bottom. The ramp at the front (left side) is taller on the 6th. They both have what I identify as eleven ridges and twelve valleys. On most of the 5th flat thumbpieces the screw goes...

Congratulations on that one. You're probably close on the ship date. The database shows 501664 shipped in January 1967. Does yours have matching serial numbers on the inside of the right stock and on the box?

That's a dandy Chiefs Special. I believe your date estimate is a bit off. Here's one near yours in the database: 101684. It shipped on March 25, 1957.

That looks like a dandy. My 11920 shipped in September 1952.

Terrific photos; thanks for sharing!

According to the database, your early one shipped in April 1966, I'd guess it at upwards of $1,500, especially if the product brochure that came with it says "Polished Stainless Steel" for "Finish" at the bottom of the first page. Your newer one has the heat treated then flash chromed stainless...

That's a terrific Chiefs Special. Congratulations. I don't subscribe to the "resident authority" moniker, but it's nice to be thought of. The first documentation we have of the name "Chiefs Special" is Smith & Wesson President Carl Hellstrom's letter dated November 15, 1950. Looking through my...

Two factors come into play. First is the typical business analogy for pricing: supply versus demand. Second are total production numbers for each model. We don't know a total production number for the Model 60-4, but my database lists them shipping in every year from 1990 through 1996. There...

See my post #12 from seven years ago. Also, the SCSW, 5th Ed. has revised its text to 2,000.

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo. I'm guessing you don't know what the SCSW is, right? Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, it's up to the 5th edition now, and is usually considered the end all, be all. My database suggests others near your Model 37, serial number-wise, shipped in early 1988...

Jus 'cause nobody says it, never assume you're the only one!