Stumbled onto a pre 36

Vulcan Bob · #1 05-03-2012, 07:14 PM

Hi all, I've been looking for a flat latch 36 for awile now and ran across this one and found no model number under the crane, only the usual assembly numbers so I have a pre 36 Chiefs Special on my hands and with a serial number of 123107 that puts it as a 1957 man? Anyhoo, it checks out fine mechanically and does have rather nice matching diamond center stocks. This was a working gun and has blueing wear in all the normal spots, a few freckels and scratchs here and there, overall a good looking little revolver. Bore and chambers cleaned up real nice although some of the leading in the barrel I suspect was vintage also. Im out of my depth here with these and I think this one was among the last of the non model marked Chief specials, any help here is welcome! Paid $399.00 plus tax and title and do not think I got hurt there. When I get the camera figured out will post some pics and thanks for looking!
Ok got the camera figured out, had to resize the pic's to upload and hope they dont come out postage stamp size! Excuse the poor pic's the revolver has a film of CLP on it and you know how that affects pic, it really looks a lot better with a mark one human eyeball. The amazeing quick detach holster came with it. Thank's all!

beagleye · #2 05-03-2012, 08:40 PM

Nice score. Sounds like a really sweet carry gun. I look forward to the pictures.

TACC1 · #3 05-03-2012, 08:59 PM

Sounds good to me. Can't go wrong with a 36.
Glad you got it. TACC1

Hondo44 · #4 05-04-2012, 02:56 AM

Bob,

You do indeed have a very nice Pre model 36 being a Model of 1953 with all of its J frame improvements with 2nd or 3rd style flat latch. It has a 3 screw sideplate which dates it to between c.1955 to 1957 and a serial # dating to 1957. It's right on the cusp of having Mod 36 stamped (which happened c. 1957) in the yoke (crane is Colt's term).

It probably only has the serial # in three of the original 6 locations; butt, under ejector star and backside of right grip.

This photo will help you determine which flat latch you have, 2nd style on left or 3rd and last style on the right:

Vulcan Bob · #5 05-04-2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

Bob,

You do indeed have a very nice Pre model 36 being a Model of 1953 with all of its J frame improvements with 2nd or 3rd style flat latch. It has a 3 screw sideplate which dates it to between c.1955 to 1957 and a serial # dating to 1957. It's right on the cusp of having Mod 36 stamped (which happened c. 1957) in the yoke (crane is Colt's term).

It probably only has the serial # in three of the original 6 locations; butt, under ejector star and backside of right grip.

This photo will help you determine which flat latch you have, 2nd style on left or 3rd and last style on the right:

Hi there Jim, thanks for the info. Im a little light on the non model marked J's and know just enough about the 1905's, N's and K's to get into trouble! You are correct about the three serial numbers and thier locations I was wondering about that. It has the 3rd style latch. Yeah I goof up with yoke and crane as I do goof with a Few Colt's as well and forget myself at time's. Once again thank you!

heysox · #6 12-02-2020, 04:40 PM

That holster was popular with Detectives when I was a cub police officer.

two-bit cowboy · #7 12-02-2020, 07:12 PM

Congrats, that's a dandy! I love the Chiefs with a wee bit of honest character.

I really like that leather, too.

I've recently seen some real junk sell for what you paid. Great job!

I show several within a thousand numbers of yours that shipped in November/December '57.

The first Chiefs Special "Model 36" I've documented is sn 132293, but I only list 14 Chiefs between yours and that one so my data points are really limited in that era.

The first model marked Chiefs Special Airweight I show is "Model 37" sn 130774, which shipped in September '58. I think that must be near where the model numbers first began to appear on Chiefs. I have Chiefs Special Airweight (no model number) 130794, which shipped in August '58.

Waveski · #8 12-02-2020, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vulcan Bob

Paid $399.00 plus tax and title and do not think I got hurt there.

I have a flat latch Chiefs just like that ; I paid a bit more and I'm not complaining ... You did just fine.

Waveski · #9 12-02-2020, 10:58 PM

You might want to consider a grip adaptor for that little round butt ; my grip and shooting results definitely benefitted from it.

*** I edited to add another photo - don't know what the smudge is on the Chiefs in the first one.

JSR III · #10 12-02-2020, 11:29 PM

FWIW guys, this thread is 8 years old.

Waveski · #11 12-02-2020, 11:32 PM

Darn - I usually catch that.