Another Chiefs Special Airweight joins the herd

[two-bit cowboy]

This is my first Chiefs Special built on the three-screw frame,
which began on the Airweights in the 52600 serial range. The first
known ship date of those is in February 1955, more than a year
before S&W converted its other J-frames to the three-screw frame.

It's also my first with the new fifth flat thumbpiece, which reverted
back to having eleven ridges and twelve valleys, like the first two
flat thumbpieces.

The serial number on the right stock matches the butt and other
parts: 60625. It shipped to M&H Sporting Goods Company in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April Fool's Day, 1955. No kidding!

Always fun to fill an empty stall in the barn.

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

Congrats on filling a space. Nice one, too.

 

[Valmet]

That's a fantastic example- I didn't even realize that there were different variations of the actual flat latch.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I didn't even realize that there were different variations of the actual flat latch.

I've counted seven distinct flat thumbpieces in the almost 15
years S&W used them (December 1950 - February 1965). There
are only four known examples of the first one (blue only, 1950 &
'51) and five known examples of the fourth one (nickel only, late
1954). One of these days when life slows down I'll make a chart.

 

[M29since14]

Congratulations on your new, beautiful little Airweight Chief. I have her slightly younger sister, but she is not nearly so nice as yours. Make your chart soon. "It's later than you think."