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09-03-2015, 11:00 AM
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sock drawer find
Ok guys and gals. I'm new at this and will give you my best. While cleaning out the sock drawer of a recently passed loved one, I came across an old Smith. I would like to date it. It is in great shape. Information is as follows. SN# on the butt of the gun is 364j42. It is a nickel plated .38 spcl with a 3" bbl., double action, 5 shot with hammer. The frame has "MOD.36" on it, the yoke has 18182 on it as well as "G15. Wood grips with a round screw hole, (no diamond shaped insert), rear sight is a notch on the top frame, front sight is a ramp. I think it is a "Chief's Special". Would like to post pics but # I'm sneeking this post in at work and #2 I don't think they would like the gun here. Thanks for any help.
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09-03-2015, 11:43 AM
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Yep. A Chiefs Special, made in 1972. Nice find.
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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318
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09-03-2015, 11:44 AM
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The non-diamond stocks would be correct. The diamond type went away in about 1968.
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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318
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09-03-2015, 12:02 PM
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Welcome to the Forum. The Model 36 is the original Chief's Special. It is all (carbon) steel. The Model 37 is the lightweight (alloy framed) version of this piece, and the Model 60 is the stainless steel version. The Model 36 is a popular piece, and the nickel version are particularly desirable by many.
My condolences on your loss.
Regards,
Dave
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09-03-2015, 12:08 PM
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thank you so much, I think I'll keep it
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09-03-2015, 12:08 PM
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Thanks for such a quick response, I do appreciate it!
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09-03-2015, 12:23 PM
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great information from all of you. Thanks so much for your help.
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09-03-2015, 12:28 PM
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If that was in the sock drawer, look in the sweater drawer. Great find.
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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member
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09-03-2015, 01:19 PM
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If it was a loved one's gun, then if you are like me it is worth far more to you than whatever the "book" value might be. I know my Dad's old Marlin .22 could be replaced for a hundred bucks... but it wouldn't be the same. Glad to see you plan to keep it.
Welcome to The Forum!
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09-03-2015, 01:58 PM
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Welcome to the forum! I'll add that the Chief's Special was so well received that many similar models have been introduced over the years with various frame materials, sights, grips, barrel lengths, finishes, etc. your gun has a lot of siblings.
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09-03-2015, 02:04 PM
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Welcome to the Forum and congratulations on your fine firearm! The 3" barrel J frames are hard to find, and having it in nickel certainly adds to the value of the gun. Estimates I have seen indicate only 20 to 25% of the guns manufactured would have been nickel plated. Take care with the cleaning solvents you use, some can attack the finish. I always used CLP on mine (when I had one anyway) and it seemed just fine.
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Even older, even crankier....
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09-03-2015, 06:27 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3rdbattalion6th
Ok guys and gals. I'm new at this and will give you my best. While cleaning out the sock drawer of a recently passed loved one, I came across an old Smith. I would like to date it. It is in great shape. Information is as follows. SN# on the butt of the gun is 364j42. It is a nickel plated .38 spcl with a 3" bbl., double action, 5 shot with hammer. The frame has "MOD.36" on it, the yoke has 18182 on it as well as "G15. Wood grips with a round screw hole, (no diamond shaped insert), rear sight is a notch on the top frame, front sight is a ramp. I think it is a "Chief's Special". Would like to post pics but # I'm sneeking this post in at work and #2 I don't think they would like the gun here. Thanks for any help.
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I forgot to mention - you should keep your eyes out for the original box, unless you already have it. With the cleaning up going on, someone might run across it, and it would be great to have the original box, and documents.
Regards,
Dave
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09-03-2015, 06:33 PM
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Yea 3/6---I'd search that place like all get out.
Check all books to see if there is a hollowed out one
Check all the linens and towels.
Walk into all closets and look up high after about-face.
Go through the attic.
Look behind drawers.
A 3 inch 36 is a neat find.
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09-03-2015, 06:42 PM
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Okay, so where's the pics??
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09-03-2015, 07:35 PM
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Great point double o dave
" and don't forget the box" kinda reminds me of that cartoon. "and don't forget the gravy"
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09-03-2015, 08:32 PM
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Welcome!
I just checked my sock drawer, and it only has unmatched socks! 
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09-04-2015, 08:42 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Morgan88
Great point double o dave
" and don't forget the box" kinda reminds me of that cartoon. "and don't forget the gravy"
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Or: "...leave the gun, take the cannoli"
Regards,
Dave
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09-04-2015, 04:50 PM
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In my family, I'd be lucky to find a pair of socks in someone's sock drawer.
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09-04-2015, 08:48 PM
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those were made with both a square or a round butt. Most from that era seem to have the square butt.
Other than that, your description is so complete that we can see the gun pretty clearly even without pictures. Such description quality is uncommon...downwright scarce...among new posters trying to ID a gun.
Semper Fi.
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