Baby chief?

[Macmac1]

Was hoping to identify this as a baby chief. It has a small trigger guard, 1/2 moon sight, and is 5 screws. Serial # is 5 digits 665xx.. here are a couple pf photos.. also if anyone knows what a period correct box is for it.. also if it is aloud what is it worth? Thank you

 

[murphydog]

With the 5 round cylinder not completely filling the frame window, I'm betting this one is stamped .38 S & W CTG on the right barrel, making it a .38/32 Terrier.

 

[Macmac1]

Yes thats what is stamped on the barrel... will it not shot 38 special thru it? It was advertised as a model 36. What do you think its worth?

 

[Macmac1]

It is. Any idea what its worth? What a period correct box is?

 

[RM Vivas]

Was hoping to identify this as a baby chief. It has a small trigger guard, 1/2 moon sight, and is 5 screws. Serial # is 5 digits 665xx.. here are a couple pf photos.. also if anyone knows what a period correct box is for it.. also if it is aloud what is it worth? Thank you

Theres a few NYPD terriers in that range. Can you send me a full s/n?

Best,
RM Vivas

 

[hardknocks]

Worth

Probably worth a little more than a model 36.
Weaker round but more fun to shoot for me.
Buffalo bore makes a stout round in 38 S&W.
It's clean and harder to find.

 

[Seaburry]

My opinion is it’s worth a little less than a baby chief. The ammo is hard to find and expensive…. But I love a terrier, great little guns. Wk

 

[hardknocks]

36

Probably worth a little less than a Baby Chief, but
It was sold as a 36 and i think he was asking if it's a baby.
I have both and paid more for my baby chief, but I favor the terrier.
Regards

 

[murphydog]

It is. Any idea what its worth? What a period correct box is?

.38 S & W is shorter, wider and loaded more lightly than .38 Special, to be used in weaker older guns. The two do not interchange in unmodified guns.

A nice Terrier would probably be in the $500-550 range, as noted less than a Chiefs Special due to the ammo situation. .38 S & W is loaded in short production runs so stock up if you find any, it may be months-years before it can be found again.

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum!

I agree, it's a .38/32 Terrier Model Improved I frame - 1st Variation, (a .38 caliber built on the .32 cal frame) from Mid 1952. Became the Model 32 in 1957. Was built on the J frame starting in 1961. Discontinued about 1974.

Worth the same as a Baby Chief in the same condition, but there's a smaller market of collectors looking for them, therefore more difficult to get it's full value, but I'd put it in the $600 range.

 

[jcelect]

I own Terrier #67243 in its original Red Box

 

[JH1951]

I own Terrier #67243 in its original Red Box

Here is #66971 (only 272 away from yours). It is an 'Improved I-Frame, First Version', which shipped 04-18-1952. They are a joy to have, shoot, and collect. They are becoming somewhat difficult to find in nice condition, and getting harder to afford as well. They have been overlooked for decades, but that seems to be changing.

As for the OP's question "What is the proper box?", the serial number of this one isn't awfully far from yours, and I suggest a red box similar to the one pictured below would be correct. They are not awfully easy to find these days.

 

[bullmack]

R M Vivas - I have s/n 65745 Terrier that shipped to Harvan Sporting Goods in NYC. Curious if it was a NYPD gun?

 

[Wyo]

Here are a couple of mine. The first is serial no. 66078. It’s from 1952. The second one is a prewar gun from Oct. 1937. Prewar guns are lots less common. This one has some finish wear but it’s still a good shooter. These are just cool little guns!