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05-21-2007, 04:10 PM
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Apparently this one was made in late 1950 or early 1951 but shipped to Oshman's Hardware Store in Houston, Texas in March of 1952 according to the S&W factory letter. The revolver's serial No. is 2018. It possesses all the early features: flat latch, half-moon front sight, 5 screws, small trigger guard, pre-war style hammer spur. The grip panels are a little shorter than the later J-Frame grips. Some call this frame size the modified I-Frame. I guess if it wasn't wearing its original grips then one would have to find a pair of grips off of a Terrier in order to obtain correct fit. It does have a coil main spring. It's no oil painting condition-wise but it's a good shooter and very accurate except when I toss the occasional flier. I got it at a Fort Worth Convention Center gun show in the early '80's. It was priced less than the later Chief's Specials at the show that had ramp sights and traditional latches. The seller considered it less desirable because of the half-moon front sight. I thought it was novel so snapped it right up.
I've seen a couple with lower four-digit serial numbers. At a recent Dallas Market Hall gun show I found one with a serial number of 983.
Does anyone out there know the approximate serial number range when the last of the Chief's Specials with the half-moon front sight were made?
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10-29-2010, 10:07 PM
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hi
I have one that is later than that it is 3729 and it has the half moon front sight. ship date is feb of 1952.
jim fisher
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10-30-2010, 01:04 AM
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JSR - that's not a serial number, it's a store inventory number, FYI.
Thanks everyone for the fast pile-on - I appreciate the opinions. I agree it looks refinished but I am half-hoping it is. Then no guilt about making it a pocket queen for those informal outdoor excursions. If it is....greased and locked up. I'll post again when she arrives.
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10-30-2010, 06:24 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oldcorps76
JSR - that's not a serial number, it's a store inventory number, FYI.
Thanks everyone for the fast pile-on - I appreciate the opinions. I agree it looks refinished but I am half-hoping it is. Then no guilt about making it a pocket queen for those informal outdoor excursions. If it is....greased and locked up. I'll post again when she arrives.
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It looks to have a pretty nice refinish. The sideplate fit suggests this, and another fairly reliable clue is the hammer and trigger are blued, not case-colored, as only a few restorers (even professionals) are set up to redo the casehardening.
BTW, regarding the change-over from half-moon to ramp front sight, just received a letter on a matching half-moon CS, SN 116xx (yes, a 5-digit number), shipped 4/52. I have no good explanation how the factory went nearly 8000 numbers down the line in 2-3 months from Jim's example above except if the frame was produced earlier, then assembled and/or shipped at a much later date. Interested to read if anyone else has a 4/52 shipped CS, with which front sight and the SN.
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SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
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11-05-2010, 05:37 PM
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Great thread, Flat latch j frames are my weakness! To keep it going I'll offer up two more really old Chief's Specials...
Model 36 "no-dash" from '61 or '62
Chief's Special Airweight from '56
Same gun with the original black "sunburst" box
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11-06-2010, 10:15 AM
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Flat latch fever
Here's mine from '57:
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11-19-2010, 11:37 AM
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Can anyone give me an idea of what this might be worth? I have someone willing to sell it to me and we are trying to figure out a fair price. Gun is a '54 and looks to be in great shape, maybe 90%-95%.
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12-19-2010, 10:24 PM
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Top is a short grip Baby chief in 38 special SN# 3821x,
Below is a Terrier in .38 S&W SN# 5807x
Last edited by Engine49guy; 12-20-2010 at 06:04 PM.
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01-08-2011, 07:13 PM
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1955 I think, serial #72XXX
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01-08-2011, 07:14 PM
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02-18-2011, 10:56 PM
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I picked up a chief's special tonight with a low 300XX serial number. Can someone please tell me when this gun was made. Thank you. It has a flat latch and serrated front ramp. Everything is matching on it and it is in very good shape. I kinda bought it on the spur of the moment not really knowing much about it except it was probably relatively old with the serial number. The gun is in very good shape other than a little blueing wear on the cylinder and one grip has a slight nick in it. I got it for $195. How did I do?
Last edited by Researcher1; 02-18-2011 at 11:40 PM.
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02-18-2011, 11:03 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Researcher1
I picked up a chief's special tonight with a low 300XX serial number. Can someone please tell me when this gun was made. Thank you. It has a flat latch and serrated front ramp. Everything is matching on it and it is in very good shape. I will try to get some pictures up later.
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You're in luck. The standard SN reference has a lot of holes in the J frame listings, but 28916 was shipped in 1953 so that would probably be its year too.
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12-22-2011, 04:54 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Researcher1
I picked up a chief's special tonight with a low 300XX serial number. Can someone please tell me when this gun was made. Thank you. It has a flat latch and serrated front ramp. Everything is matching on it and it is in very good shape. I kinda bought it on the spur of the moment not really knowing much about it except it was probably relatively old with the serial number. The gun is in very good shape other than a little blueing wear on the cylinder and one grip has a slight nick in it. I got it for $195. How did I do?
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Welcome to the forum. I don't see that you ever got an answer. Frankly that price is a bargain for any Chief of any vintage in that condition. For that "Baby" Chief made in 1953 it's less than 1/2 price, sometimes only a 3rd.
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12-21-2011, 10:26 AM
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love those chiefs, the perfect friend and like a good friend there always there when you need them!
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12-21-2011, 06:23 PM
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Got to keep a thread such as this alive. Here's my three digit serial number Chiefs Special.
Also, a couple folks along the way asked qustions and so far as I can see never got responses.
First, from #148 in this thread:
Quote:
Originally Posted by majake
I got this from my grandfather who was a sherriff's deputy. It says airweight on the barrel and the ser# is 452xx. Im suspecting it's pretty old. Is it safe to shoot?
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From the photo, your revolver appears to be an early Airweight with its original alloy cylinder. You will typically see a caution with regards to these that they are unsafe to shoot, although I cannot verify any instance in which one has actually "blown up." At the very least, now that you are informed of the potential risk involved, if you do nevertheless choose to shoot it, be sure you are using a mild load - absolutely no +P or anything like that in this gun!
Posting #97 also I don't think ever received any answer:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rikkn
Here is one I dug out, this has me stumped - I cannot date it as the SCS&W book does not tell of one in the gray box, and the s/n 98J839 is not there either. This one is unfired, 36 no dash, I am guessing mid 60's. Anyone have a clue ? What is value of one like this nowadays ?
Thanks, Rick
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That actually is datable from the SCSW - it's one of the infamous "floating J" serial numbered guns, and was most likely shipped in late 1971. I'll leave it to one of our resident experts on S&W packaging to comment on just how unusual the gray box may be and if it enhances the value much above the more common blue box.
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12-21-2011, 09:46 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Goony
Quote:
Originally Posted by majake
I got this from my grandfather who was a sherriff's deputy. It says airweight on the barrel and the ser# is 452xx. Im suspecting it's pretty old. Is it safe to shoot?
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From the photo, your revolver appears to be an early Airweight with its original alloy cylinder. You will typically see a caution with regards to these that they are unsafe to shoot, although I cannot verify any instance in which one has actually "blown up." At the very least, now that you are informed of the potential risk involved, if you do nevertheless choose to shoot it, be sure you are using a mild load - absolutely no +P or anything like that in this gun! |
To me, majake's gun appears to have a steel cylinder. That would be a very late gun for the aluminum cyl.
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12-21-2011, 10:56 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by handejector
To me, majake's gun appears to have a steel cylinder. That would be a very late gun for the aluminum cyl.
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Lee, I agree that at 452XX it would certainly have to be one of the very last ones, but there were some made up into the 40K serial number range, and it still looks to me as if that could be an alloy cylinder....
I'd like to have been able to see the other side to determine if there was a "bug" screw.
Maybe even after all this time, majake will weigh back in to settle the matter.
Even if it is a steel cylinder, I'd still maintain that putting +P ammo through it wouldn't be advisable.
Additional Edits: I downloaded that photo and manipulated and enhanced it by various means, and will now concede that it is in fact a steel cylinder. Just didn't look that way to me at first. One of the perils in living in a high definition world with older, low definition eyes....
With regard to James' post following this one, when I (too casually) looked at that photo, the gun didn't appear to be nickeled, but the label in the other photo is marked "N" for finish, and of course you are absolutely correct.
Maybe I should just stop responding to questions, as I don't lately seem to be getting any of the answers right.
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12-22-2011, 01:48 AM
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Quote:
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That actually is datable from the SCSW - it's one of the infamous "floating J" serial numbered guns, and was most likely shipped in late 1971. I'll leave it to one of our resident experts on S&W packaging to comment on just how unusual the gray box may be and if it enhances the value much above the more common blue box.
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The box is gray/grey because the gun is nickel.
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12-22-2011, 04:40 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Goony
Lee, I agree that at that serial number range it would certainly have to be one of the very last ones, but there were some made up into the 40K serial number range, and it still looks to me as if that could be an alloy cylinder....
I'd like to have been able to see the other side to determine if there was a "bug" screw.
Maybe even after all this time, majake will weigh back in to settle the matter.
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The cylinder matches the barrel and yoke quite well, I'd have to say steel.
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12-23-2011, 09:20 PM
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Doohickey works and is always appropriate for any little appendage, protuberance, appurtenance, attachment, thingy or indeed, thingamabob.
Bug is shorter though.
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12-23-2011, 09:28 PM
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I think we're finally getting to the bottom of this dilemma. It is called, or they are called "Bug screws" because they BUG people!
I propose calling the smaller screw the "Locking Screw" and the larger screw the "Screw that is locked". Anyone confused there???
Bob
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12-24-2011, 12:31 PM
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love the ol chiefs
Last edited by donniedee; 08-06-2012 at 08:07 PM.
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12-27-2011, 09:23 PM
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Thanks for the great info. The stocks are numbered to the revolver. The manual is date 3-67. Is the 3 inch barrel a lower production for the most part? I have not seen many with the 3 inch barrel. Your help and comments are greatly appreciated.
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12-27-2011, 11:38 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deserttrans
Thanks for the great info. The stocks are numbered to the revolver. The manual is date 3-67. Is the 3 inch barrel a lower production for the most part? I have not seen many with the 3 inch barrel. Your help and comments are greatly appreciated.
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Although the tapered barrel 3" guns showed up early Dec. 1950, 2nd month of production, they are far outnumbered by the 2". But with their c. 15 year longer production, they in turn outnumber the 3" heavy barrel introduced in '67 as the 36-1, at least in my experience. However the rare 3" targets are Mod 36-1s w/HB.
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12-27-2011, 09:24 PM
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Serial number 69J88 should've shipped in 1971.
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Last edited by Goony; 12-27-2011 at 09:34 PM.
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03-06-2012, 06:35 PM
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Does Serial Number 99J9XX
.38 Chief's Special
Nickel Model 36
3" Round Butt qualify? If so I can post photos of it; I just bought it today in its silver box with cleaning rod and brush, instruction sheet, and S&W Ammo flyer...
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04-08-2012, 07:56 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cwo4uscgret
Does Serial Number 99J9XX
.38 Chief's Special
Nickel Model 36
3" Round Butt qualify? If so I can post photos of it; I just bought it today in its silver box with cleaning rod and brush, instruction sheet, and S&W Ammo flyer...
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Hi, this one sounds nice and was probably shipped in 1971. It sounds like a nice gun but if it counts as really old that makes me feel very sad, as I am older than your gun  . Please feel free to post photos anyhow.
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04-07-2012, 08:34 PM
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Froggie , somehow I knew you would be.....He he.
Here is one to make it just a bit greener...CHEERS!
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04-07-2012, 10:11 PM
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Now you just need one of these (see below). Although, I imagine your probably
fairly satisfied with that collection. I too am envious. I wish I could find a half
moon front sight baby chief. I did see one LNIB at the January Vegas Antique
arms show but the guy was asking $2200 for it, yikes. I picked up this guy for
less than 1/4 of that price.
Pre-36 Squre Butt, Sn#56766, Shipped October 1955.
Last edited by dacoontz; 04-07-2012 at 10:17 PM.
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04-07-2012, 10:33 PM
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ARRRGGHHH!! 
Is one of those a 32 HE snub? Can I hold on to one shred of my dignity? That's a pretty family portrait, even the two handicapped ones in the middle of the right stack. It's not easy being deformed like they are, especially among all that beauty! 
Froggie
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04-11-2012, 11:50 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Green Frog
ARRRGGHHH!!
Is one of those a 32 HE snub? Can I hold on to one shred of my dignity? That's a pretty family portrait, even the two handicapped ones in the middle of the right stack. It's not easy being deformed like they are, especially among all that beauty!
Froggie |
Froggie, I hate to admit it but I saw an early Chief about a year ago but passed on it because it was .32...
wished I had bought it now to complete the set.
.38 Chief , thanks for the Kudos,
DA Koontz VERY Nice 5 screw square butt ! Thats another one I need to BOLO (been on the lookout) for.
I had B.O.L.O for an early half moon Baby Chief for over a year when I
stumbled on this one in a local pawn shop for $275.00,
It looked a bit worse as it had some very rough grips and wrong hammer and was apparently pawned for $50.
I ended up "borrowing" a hammer and grips off another Baby Chief to spruce it up a bit,
eventually I will have to replace those on the other gun or it will haunt me.
Last edited by Engine49guy; 04-11-2012 at 12:53 PM.
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04-11-2012, 12:57 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Engine49guy
Froggie, I hate to admit it but I saw an early Chief about a year ago but passed on it because it was .32...
wished I had bought it now to complete the set.
.38 Chief , thanks for the Kudos,
DA Koontz VERY Nice 5 screw square butt ! Thats another one I need to BOLO (been on the lookout) for.
I had B.O.L.O for an early half moon Baby Chief for over a year when I
stumbled on this one in a local pawn shop for $275.00,
It looked a bit worse as it had some very rough grips and wrong hammer and was apparently pawned for $50.
I ended up "borrowing" a hammer and grips off another Baby Chief to spruce it up a bit,
eventually I will have to replace those on the other gun or it will haunt me.
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That's a great price for half moon chief. I'd probably mess myself if I saw one for sale that cheap. There is a gun show here in Salt Lake this weekend. Maybe I'll get lucky. 
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08-05-2012, 04:18 PM
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Got this for my father in 1969 after some BG tried to rob his coin store.
Obtained it from the widow of the Chief of Police of Longbranch, N.J.
I changed the grips & trigger after he passed and it became mine.
S/N 38206
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08-05-2012, 11:46 PM
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Hi BWADE
Nice early baby chief but I would say it a refinish. It was a good job they did not over polish it. The Nickel looks a little to good for a gun that was built in 1952.
Heres the side of my frame with the N on it. Serial 1406
Jim
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08-06-2012, 03:07 AM
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That was my first impression also. The nickel is nice but too nice for the wear on the stocks, but a very good polish & refinish.
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08-18-2012, 11:31 PM
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I have this one dated as 1959 by guess only. The grips are in mint condition. I had plans to use it as a carry gun on a regular basis. I've decided I want to keep it in this condition, so I'll just carry it on special occasions.
Gee, now I have to start over and find one I can shoot and carry all I want with no worry.
Murphy2000
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08-19-2012, 12:51 AM
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This is my Chief Special, Not 100% sure but probably made in 57 or 58.
Penmon
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08-19-2012, 11:04 PM
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Penmon,
Nice nickled Model 36. I do know the nickled ones seem to be sought after maybe just a bit more than the blue ones. I haven't seen many the nickle was still in that good of shape for it's age. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Murphy2000
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02-23-2013, 09:46 AM
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Here's another one
From I think around 1954 or 55
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02-26-2013, 07:48 PM
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Chief's Special, Airweight
I purchased this new in 1960, carried it in Guantanamo during the blockade and three tours in SE Asia. Grips are from Herters.
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03-01-2013, 02:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RubEric
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I have a couple questions--
Did you "pinto-ize" it or is that from the factory? Never seen a factory pinto but I'm relatively new to the S&W collecting scene. No offense but personally I'd rather have all blue or all silver.
You say those grips are from Herters-- did they make them or just sell them? A guy I know has a pinned-barrel 37 with a set of those grips. They fill the hand nicely & look good, but are a bit too big for concealed-carry for me. But I did a little online research & thought I'd found some like that made by Siles.
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02-27-2013, 01:55 PM
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This seems like an appropriate place for my question.
When I was perusing a pistol shop yesterday I saw a nice model 36.
Nickel 2" with Silver/blue lined original box with all papers. Pistol looked brand new, and the tag said 1966. They were asking 585; seem fair?
It wasn't a flat latch or anything too special; but twas a fine specimen.
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The American dream is alive
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02-28-2013, 03:57 PM
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Engine49, that's a nice collection. I'm curious about the one in the lower right corner with the tall front and adjustable rear sights....
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02-28-2013, 10:53 PM
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Here are my two 1955 year revolvers:
A 1955 S & W Pre-Model 36 .38 Special Revolver
A 1955 S & W Pre-Model 43 22 LR Revolver
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03-01-2013, 12:19 AM
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Had to jump in on the Show-N-Tell for this thread!
Picked up these little Gems this week......was going to only buy the nicer one, but went back for the other yesterday!
Serial numbers are 174X and 264X
Pretty sure first year....... :-))
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Tom Graham SWCA #2303
Last edited by THREEDFLYER; 03-01-2013 at 12:46 AM.
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03-01-2013, 04:40 PM
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THREEDFLYER,
Yes, could be first year. 1950, Oct 27, Introduction of the J frame Chiefs Special, #6 was 1st gun shipped.
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Jim
S&WCA #819
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03-02-2013, 03:42 PM
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Dad's Chief
My Dad's Chief back up.
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05-09-2013, 04:47 PM
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Been told this is a 1956 Chief's J-Frame
Has a round butt, 5 shot flat latch, 3 screws S/N 968xx stamped on butt, stamped on interior of wood handles number 19 below that number 311. On the metal of the handles under grips letter H stamped. Has been my CC for years, shoots well. Am on waitlist for 9mm Shield, will then retire Chief to a HP and range gun after installing Pachmyer boot grip. Also, wife is more at ease with a revolver then a semi. No worry about safeties, no racking, just hammer back and squeeze.
In a way I hate to do it, but I think the Shield will be a lighter and easier carry in my old age.
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05-12-2013, 02:11 AM
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Here's my older Chief's Special.
It dates from around 1962.
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05-12-2013, 09:14 AM
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Here's my 1959 M36:
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Peter
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Tags
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327, 642, 686, airweight, checkering, engraved, gunsmith, hammerless, j frame, jinks, k frame, model 40, punta, ribbed, rollmarks, round butt, scsw, serrated, serrations, sideplate, smith & wesson, smith and wesson, snubnose, terrier  |
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