I have a chromed J frame with a serial number J618616.

Can anyone tell me when it was made?

Most likely nickeled, not chromed, but would really need to see a photo posted to be more certain on this point.

From the serial number, your gun was probably manufactured in 1977.

Swing open the cylinder. In the frame recess that is then exposed should be stamped a model number.

__________________
SWCA #590
"Colligo ergo sum"

Mod 37

Nickel 37.

__________________
Memory of Randy Freas-Rimfired

Just got it today. It belonged to my Great Uncle who went in on Omaha Beach on D-Day. He was like another grandfather to me.

So is 1977 the consensus on the year of manufacture?

I bet this pistol hasn't been fired 20 times, until today. She fired great, but this one is a keepsake more than anything else. A remembrance of a good man and a great role model.

And, it's not a J-Framed CTG, since there is no such thing.
CTG, as mentioned almost daily here now, is an abbreviation for cartridge.
Denis

Aaahh!!! :-) Thank you