Date/Value of a MINT 1960's Model 36 LNIB

Kolarshooter · Apr 27, 2012

I bought this little gem a week ago at a LGS. It shows no wear of any sort. If it was ever fired, I can't tell by looking at it. It came in its original box (I obscured the last few numbers of the serial# in the picture using Photoshop)

The original paperwork is present and in perfect condition as well.

I'd be curious to learn when it was made and how much it's worth. I don't want to shoot it if it has a lot of value to someone - I'd be willing to consider selling it and buying a "shooter" and letting someone else's collection absorb this one.

Thanks in advance for your comments!!!

VM · Apr 27, 2012

Kolarshooter - Welcome to the Forum!
I'd guess that your Chief Special is about 1968.
As far as the value.........you just bought it (and you know what you paid for it), so you would know best.

DCWilson · Apr 27, 2012

Welcome to the forum. Nice specimen.

Just thinking out loud, but it seems to me there are two components to the value of that gun. As a Chiefs Special judged on its functionality, it probably would not be valued more highly than the closest modern equivalent. That would value it around $450-500, if I understand street prices on the current stainless model.

Then there is the collector value for a 40-year old boxed package. That's might add $100, I would guess.

So I'd think there might be a collector somewhere willing to pay around $600 for it. But because the 36 or CS is not a rare model -- hundreds of thousands have been sold -- the gun's seeming mint status may not boost its value as much as it would in the case of less commonly found revolvers.

I could be way off on this, because I don't follow the values of J-frame guns. If a J-frame specialist says something different, listen to him instead.

Hapworth · Apr 27, 2012

If it's in NRA "perfect" condition and the box is numbered to the gun, with original paperwork and tools (you didn't mention the latter), that is a collector-level item and would fetch a premium.

You ought to see what several of the collector-sellers are advertising their 36s for, to get a general idea. Also, seeing what auctions are closing for can give an idea of actual market price.

Engine49guy · Apr 27, 2012

Very nice Model 36,
Im not a Model 36 expert but I do know a little bit about them,

Yours looks to be in excellent condition and the box/docs is a big plus,

Have you removed the grips to see if they have a matching number stamped inside yet?
According to the book J frame serials approxiamtely were 1962 295,000 with 1969 serial starting near 786,544.
I would estimate your app serial 571,9xx would be somewhere near the change from diamond grips to non diamond grips.
The diamond was dropped about 1967 and the first non diamonds have the large checkering just like yours.
In 1969 a new serial range began with the letter J and the checkering area got a bit smaller.
As for what its worth I would guess $450 and maybe as high as $550 to the right collector or someone looking for a birthyear gun because of the high condition and extras in the package.

The major revisions and general pecking order :

1) Early pre 36 Baby Chief with half penny FS,
2) Early pre 36 Baby Chief with smooth ramp FS.
3) Early pre 36 Baby Chief with serrated ramp FS.
4) Early pre 36 Chief with new elongated trigger guard.
5) Model marked 36 with flat latch.
6) Diamond grip Model marked 36.
7) Pinned barrel pre J serial prefix (late 60's ).......( Your Gun )
8) Pinned barrel J serial prefix (70's).
9) Non pinned versions (1980's )
10) Pre lock MIM.
11) Lock/MIM

This list is for basic snub CS and doesnt include rare varients like target site Models or early Airweights etc., square butts or 3" barrel versions.

Kolarshooter · Apr 27, 2012

First of all, thank you all for the warm welcome to this forum. This forum has been my go-to resource for all matters S&W!

The serial numbers on the box do match those on the butt of the revolver. I haven't removed the grips to check their number, but will if anyone has a substantial interest in this gun. The paperwork is intact (NRA and warrantee forms.) There are no tools or wax paper included.

I'm willing to put my ignorance on display by asking: what sort of tools would a fixed-sight revolver purchaser expect to get with his/her gun?

I paid $450 for it (plus tax, and other Gov't mandated extortion "fees.") Feeling the smooth DA trigger action, its perfect condition, and efficient compact size, I knew I wanted it! When I bought this gun, I wasn't sure how old it was (although I knew it was pretty old just from the pinned barrel and such), and I didn't even know it came with the box until I picked up the gun 10 days after I bought it (I live in Ca. where we have a 10 day "cooling off" period.)

I haven't shot it yet out of concern that someone might have a special need for it. I'll likely hold-off shooting it until next week just in case someone reading these comments wants it substantially more than I do.

I thank you all for your thoughtful comments and look forward to any other insight which may come along.

Cheers!

JP@AK · Apr 27, 2012

Hello Kolarshooter
As I told you on another forum, your revolver probably shipped in 1968. What no one has mentioned here is the oddity of it shipping in a pre-Bangor Punta box.
Also working against getting top dollar for this gun is the lack of tools and the waxed paper.
At $450, you did fine, I think, but I doubt the gun would carry much more value than that.
Regards,
JP

JP@AK · Apr 27, 2012

Kolarshooter said:
I'm willing to put my ignorance on display by asking: what sort of tools would a fixed-sight revolver purchaser expect to get with his/her gun?

I knew it was pretty old just from the pinned barrel and such

The tools would have been a cleaning rod of the appropriate length, a brass brush and a bore mop.

Pinned barrels went away in 1982, quite some time after your gun shipped.

Regards,
JP

Kolarshooter · Apr 27, 2012

Thanks for the valuable insight! I'm very happy with my purchase and will go ahead and enjoy shooting it (without remorse) myself, then.

Thanks again to all who've taken the time to respond.

Cheers!

Kolarshooter · Apr 30, 2012

Just to follow up...
I put a half box of JHPs through it and it performed flawlessly. My hands are pretty big, so I had a head time with the small grips, so I've ordered some pretty aftermarket grips for it.
Cheers!

Dsorgnzd · Apr 30, 2012

Yours could almost be a twin of mine (Serial 550xxx), which my grandfather bought in the mid-1960's, I believe. I, and my son, have shot it, since I have no intention of ever selling it (and it will eventually be his anyway).

NavyFrank · Apr 30, 2012

Model 36

I have the square butt version serial # 635xxx. Paid $350.00
unfired with light turn ring.

Kolarshooter · May 3, 2012

NavyFrank said:
I have the square butt version serial # 635xxx. Paid $350.00
unfired with light turn ring.

WOW! You scored a great deal there! I'm jealous.

Kolarshooter · May 3, 2012

OK, so the stock grips are great for concealment, but not as great for shooting (if you have larger hands, as I do.) So, I bought a replacement set of grips which fit my hand so much better. I tried to take a few cell phone pics to illustrate how the new grips fill my hand. Anyway, thanks to you all for your info.
Cheers!

nipster · May 3, 2012

NavyFrank said:
I have the square butt version serial # 635xxx. Paid $350.00
unfired with light turn ring.

If it's got a turn ring, wouldn't one reason that it's been fired? Or do people just sit around and cycle their guns?

Regardless, 350 is a deal for that.

Kolarshooter · May 3, 2012

nipster said:
If it's got a turn ring, wouldn't one reason that it's been fired? Or do people just sit around and cycle their guns?

Regardless, 350 is a deal for that.

I thought that...
You said that...

Great deal, regardless!

mbliss57 · May 3, 2012

NavyFrank said:
I have the square butt version serial # 635xxx. Paid $350.00
unfired with light turn ring.

Navy Frank... when did you pay $350 for that beautiful Model 36. If within the last 4 years you did get a great deal.
BTW many people do dry fire their guns for practice and to break in the gun. This would leave the gun unfired yet with a considerably turn ring.

Of course when they do fire it then...

crsides · May 4, 2012

You get turn ring wear every time you open and close the cylinder. Many unfired (after the factory) guns exhibit a light turn ring.

Charlie

M3Stuart · May 4, 2012

Good for you!

I bought one of those, same age, no box, square butt, with some rust on it, last year for under $300. Traded it "up" and got $400 for it. I would have gladly paid $450 for the gun (in condition like the one you got) alone as a shooter. As others said, the box etc is worth another $100 - but I wouldn't have cared about that as I'm just going to shoot it.

Date/Value of a MINT 1960's Model 36 LNIB

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