Chief's Special or ?????

[GoldToyBox]

Hello S&W folks
Not much computer ability, so trying to post some photos and asking for help to ID this revolver. I attached some photos, don't understand how to imbed them.
Uncle Died and cousins fighting over his stuff.

1. Five shot revolver
2. Serial # 97*** (on butt) different #'s under the Yoke
3. 38 sp
4. fixed sights
5. snub nose 2" +/-

Thanks for any help.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

Yes, based on the serial number you photographed, that's a .38 Chiefs Special.

The other numbers are assembly numbers used to keep parts together during the manufacturing process.

S&W likely would have shipped that Chiefs Special in the early summer of 1956. I'd bet it has a 3-screw frame (one's hiding beneath the right grip). If you take off the grips, the right one probably has the serial number stamped on the inside.

It's hard to tell for sure, but I think it has the bright blue finish, which started again in 1956 (S&W used a satin blue finish after WW II). It also has a trigger shoe.

That appears to be a nice Chiefs Special.

My condolences on the loss of your uncle.

 

[GoldToyBox]

Wow, that was a quick reply. any idea of value?


Thank you for your time.
Ominous Dominos

 

[Zarr]

Welcome to the forum from Western Massachusetts.

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum. That's a nice piece.

I don't envy you your situation when adults start acting like children.

My usual suggestion is to pick a referee of maturity in the family that everyone agrees to.

Obtain values for each gun or item from the same source if possible; this forum or completed auctions that have sold at Gunbroker, throwing out high and low selling prices of guns is the same condition.

Total the value of all items and divide by the # of potential heirs to establish a value quota for each person.

I'd say that Chiefs Special is in the $800 price range.

 

[GoldToyBox]

Thanks for the help everyone.
I'm the poor sap that got the "referees" job.

Thanks for the "Welcomes" too. I've been a member since 2010 but never post, usually can find what I need from a previous post. Great site.
Ominous Dominos

 

[Rudi]

A nice looking snub.

 

[Inusuit]

I'm not up to speed on the value of flat latch Chiefs, as apparently the price can vary from region to region. Just a WAG, but I'd put value at $500-600. Others may have a better estimate. It's a very nice revolver. I'd take that trigger shoe off were it mine.