Gift 🤠

[Audiblehd]

Morning. My neighbor was going to smash and toss an old revolver he stored improperly. It was his dads and is very old...I think. Can you help me identify?

S&W model 36, serial 511516, says "S&W" 38 Special CTG. This is the only one I've seen where the S&W appear to hand etched...like cursive. The rest is machine stamped. Thanks for help. I've emailed S&W but they were no help.

 

[Bullet Bob]

Do you have a picure of the "cursive" S&W you mention?

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

It is a shame that it was allowed to deteriorate so badly, but from the picture, it looks like there is enough left to save. 38 Special CTG refers to the fact that it is chambered in 38 Special.The Model 36 is also called the "Chief's Special" It has been made over decades in a large number of variations, and was introduced in 1950. Relatively common, and not a real valuable gun, (except specific guns , say #337 given to J Edgar Hoover) even in good condition, it is certainly worth restoring. If your question is value, in new condition, it would likely fetch $650 according to the 2016 Catalog of Smith & Wesson Fourth Edition. The present condition is off the bottom of standard measurement and I guess may be worth $75-$150? I am having a hard time with that serial number, so someone more informed on this specific model may be able to provide an approximate date of manufacture.

 

[flagman1776]

It has the 3" "Heavy Barrel" which were made in several styles. Mine is a fine shooter.

 

[jmace57]

Welcome to the forum. Many of us on the forum would like the challenge of bringing that one back. In its' condition (which is a little hard to tell), it may be worth somewhere between $75 and $150.

It's worth more than smashing and throwing it away...

 

[Audiblehd]

Hey guys. Thanks for nice welcome. Here a few more pics. I was also told it's a 3 screw??

 

[H Richard]

It isn't that old, I'd estimate late 60's to early 70's. Given some proper attention it cold be a very nice shooting self defense handgun.

 

[Audiblehd]

Wish I knew how to refinish. If I renickel it that would probably cost more than a new or one in good shape. If I strip and blue it.....what would that cost?

 

[gmborkovic]

Need a better and few more pics of the right side of the barrel.
Something does not look right.

 

[Audiblehd]

Few more pics

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Get a sealable gallon container and put a quart of automatic transmission fluid and a quart of acetone in it then dump that gun in it and forget about it for a month or two. When you pull it out, you should be able to wipe off the rust with a cloth or some bronze wool. Don't have it refinished unless you are willing to eat the cost. It won't make the gun more valuable.

 

[Audiblehd]

Okay. I have no concerns in value. I just want it to look cool and use as my carry. How much is it to blue or nickel? Anyone done it?

 

[StrawHat]

Wiregrassguy told you right. Nuetralize the rust and remove it with the formula he mentioned. Stubborn spots of rust can be removed with a brass scraper made from a flattened empty cartridge.

Refinish? Only if you can afford to lose the money. You will not regain it on resale.

Kevin

 

[SAFireman]

Once you get the rust under control, you can do a home parkerizing job with very basic tools and fluids. These things you can get at Home Depot or any reputable hardware store.

 

[JP@AK]

S&W model 36, serial 511516

That serial number places it in the last half of the 1960s. The thumbpiece (cylinder release) is the style reintroduced in 1966, so this gun is at least that late. In 1969, the J prefix was added. So there is your bracketed date (1967-1969).

With the round butt and 3" heavy barrel, this should be a Model 36-1. Is that how it is marked on the frame in the yoke cut?

 

[Audiblehd]

Just says model 36. No - or 1. Anyone know why the S&W look different from all the others I see.

 

[JP@AK]

Just says model 36. No - or 1.

Interesting. But okay.

Anyone know why the S&W look different from all the others I see.

I have no idea what you are using for comparison, but it does not look odd to me.

I pulled a Model 36 from 1964 from my safe and looked at the company name on the barrel. It looks just like yours, only smaller because it has the 2" barrel. I also looked at a Model 19-3 that lives next to the Model 36. It also looks the same.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

I believe you are referring to the lazy ampersand between the S and the W.

 

[JP@AK]

I believe you are referring to the lazy ampersand between the S and the W.

AH! Yes, that is probably it. It looks funny, but part of that is because it is the "lazy" version and part is because the barrel is damaged by rust at that point.

But yes, I was looking at the other side of the barrel because that was what I thought his reference was.

 

[Justamessenger]

Buy a lottery ticket, you got pretty lucky with that. I'd spend time on it.