Was gifted a 1955 Chiefs Special

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nmsang501

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Helped a gentleman sell off a few guns, and as thanks, he gave me his last revolver. It’s a S&W Chiefs Special, and I believe the serial number reflects it was made in 1955.

I don’t live in the US, and I haven’t seen another one of these go for sale in my country. I also don’t plan on selling it anytime soon, but I’d appreciate it if someone could tell me the going rate on these revolvers.

I opened her up for some deep cleaning and noticed her hammer block is gone, and that the wood stock on this specimen is from a later period, so I've already ordered the period appropriate stocks for her, and am currently on the hunt for a new hammer block. Honestly quite annoyed I have to fix her up, but can't really complain about a free gun, right?

Either way, so happy to finally have one, since I’ve heard & read a lot about them. IMG_0656.jpgIMG_0657.jpgIMG_0660.jpgIMG_0664.jpgIMG_0666.jpgIMG_0667.jpg
 
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nmsang501 said:
I’d appreciate it if someone could tell me the going rate on these revolvers.
Click to expand...
The last one I had that shipped in 1955, I sold 3 years ago for $925...Bear in mind that worth is a subjective thing that can only be decided by the current and the next caretakers of anything of value... :unsure: ...Ben
 
Truckman said:
The last one I had that shipped in 1955, I sold 3 years ago for $925...Bear in mind that worth is a subjective thing that can only be decided by the current and the next caretakers of anything of value... :unsure: ...Ben
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You're right, prices are very subjective. It's still nice to have a general idea since this is really the first time I've had my hands on a Model 36. Thank you!
 
I’m curious if the I frame flat latch style used a different hammer block than the J frame Chief’s Special later identified as the model 36. Numerich Arms doesn’t show a schematic for an I frame. The J frame schematic shows an old and new part for Chief’s Special (model 36) J frame hammer block. Here is a link to the old hammer block. The price isn’t bad but I don’t know if it can be shipped out of the US.


www.gunpartscorp.com

Hammer Block, Old Style

SMITH & WESSON 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 49 Hammer Block, Old Style
www.gunpartscorp.com www.gunpartscorp.com
 
The closest I can come is 20768 that shipped 10/14/1952 and as your title states this is a Chief Special and not a model 36. Model numbered guns are a couple years away in 1955. I am making a wild guess that the early baby chief and the later larger chief special would have the same size internals. My understanding is that the cylinder and cylinder window were enlarged from the I frame to the new J frame that was specifically built to accommodate the .38 Special cartridge that this gun was built to handle. Again only a guess. Nice gift.
 
VASCAR2 said:
I’m curious if the I frame flat latch style used a different hammer block than the J frame Chief’s Special later identified as the model 36. Numerich Arms doesn’t show a schematic for an I frame. The J frame schematic shows an old and new part for Chief’s Special (model 36) J frame hammer block. Here is a link to the old hammer block. The price isn’t bad but I don’t know if it can be shipped out of the US.


www.gunpartscorp.com

Hammer Block, Old Style

SMITH & WESSON 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 49 Hammer Block, Old Style
www.gunpartscorp.com www.gunpartscorp.com
Click to expand...
Thank you for bringing this to my attention! I didn't know that there were two versions of hammer blocks for the Chiefs Special. This is now going to be hell for me to find out which part's the correct one for my gun.
 
All Chiefs Special are built on the J frame, and the hammer block should be easy to find and relatively cheap. Nice gift!

P.S.- I think there was a small change to the hammer block later, but that was years after yours was produced.
 
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Since there are 2 versions just buy them both and when you find out which one fits just send the other one back for a refund.
 
No way to estimate what it would bring anywhere but the US and you didn't state where you are located . Where I live I think $500 would be about right with the non original grips and the finish issue , particularly on the left side
 
larryofcc said:
Here's mine. Real close to yours. # 58646, shipped 3-1955. Still in its original box. Big Larry
Click to expand...
That's amazing! Which means mine could have shipped the month before! Is there a way to tell when exactly it was shipped without the box? Is there an online database perhaps?

Also, if you don't mind me asking, have you taken yours apart? Wondering if the hammer block is the circular shape or the oval shaped type since I have to buy a replacement part. Thank you!
 
Eddie Southgate said:
No way to estimate what it would bring anywhere but the US and you didn't state where you are located . Where I live I think $500 would be about right with the non original grips and the finish issue , particularly on the left side
Click to expand...
Oh, sorry. I live in the Philippines.
 
nmsang501 said:
Is there a way to tell when exactly it was shipped without the box? Is there an online database perhaps?
Click to expand...

The box would have no effect on determining the ship date. It's all based on the serial number.

Smith & Wesson did not ship guns in serial number order so there's no way to determine based on one or two examples when another one shipped. The folks who've given you examples have gotten as close as you can get because it's all guesswork without a historic letter.

There is a database on the forum exclusively for members of the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association.
 
nmsang501 said:
Helped a gentleman sell off a few guns, and as thanks, he gave me his last revolver. It’s a S&W Chiefs Special, and I believe the serial number reflects it was made in 1955.

I don’t live in the US, and I haven’t seen another one of these go for sale in my country. I also don’t plan on selling it anytime soon, but I’d appreciate it if someone could tell me the going rate on these revolvers.

I opened her up for some deep cleaning and noticed her hammer block is gone, and that the wood stock on this specimen is from a later period, so I've already ordered the period appropriate stocks for her, and am currently on the hunt for a new hammer block. Honestly quite annoyed I have to fix her up, but can't really complain about a free gun, right?

Either way, so happy to finally have one, since I’ve heard & read a lot about them.
Click to expand...
Very nice! Mine is # 55072 also made in 1955 but not quite as nice.

smith Wesson 38 Apr 18 2025 c.jpg
 
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