Help with year of S&W Model 36 .38 Special

[bigjo911]

Hello Everyone,

I acquired a Smith and Wesson .38 Special today. It seems to be in pretty nice shape. I'm trying to determine the year as I'm not able to locate other serial numbers that start with 219xxx. In the inside is shows as MOD-36 along with other letters and number on the inside as well. It's a 1 7/8 barrel (2"?) I hope to get a date this was manufactured and possibly a rough value.

SW 38 Special pictures by myparttimebusiness - Photobucket

Thank you for anyone with this knowledge.

 

[Moe W]

I am not very experienced

but I cannot find in my Standard Catalog a serial number series with no letter prefix that would match to a Model 36.
Wait, found an entry on page 399 of the standard catalog. Models 36, etc serial number blocks with no letter prefix to the serial numbers. 219xxx would land in 1953. The heading for this says, "EARLY J FRAME SERIAL RANGE" and then a subheading says "Models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50, and their pre-model versions 1950-1969. 1-786544 (no prefix)" Then gives the approximate manufacture years.

Later entry: But the problem is...Model numbers were not used until 1957 yours is stamped Model 36 but the serial indicates 1953. The only thing I can think of is that you have a gun that has some parts from more than one gun. You will have to wait for someone more knowledgeable than me about this. Sorry I cannot help. I am anxious to find the answer to this.

 

[bigjo911]

Interesting though I hope the gun is not mismatched but with that information put together it seems possible. Let's see what the experts think.

Thanks Moe!

 

[Hondo44]

Hello Everyone,

I acquired a Smith and Wesson .38 Special today. It seems to be in pretty nice shape. I'm trying to determine the year as I'm not able to locate other serial numbers that start with 219xxx. In the inside is shows as MOD-36 along with other letters and number on the inside as well. It's a 1 7/8 barrel (2"?) I hope to get a date this was manufactured and possibly a rough value.

SW 38 Special pictures by myparttimebusiness - Photobucket

Thank you for anyone with this knowledge.

Welcome to the forum.
Your gun was made between 1957 when this model was 1st stamped w/model # and 1966 according to its features; with that # it was likely made in 1961 according to the book. It's not mismatched and your excellent photos indicate extremely nice condition, at least 95%. Opinions will vary but I'd say around $500 depending on geographical location.

 

[bigjo911]

Very nice Jim. This is my first revolver, 2nd pistol and I already have an attachment to it. Not to mention I haven't even shot it yet since I just acquired it yesterday. From what I have read I should be enjoying it even more so.

I very much so appreciate your answer and time to reply.

Thank you!

 

[michael10sley]

Unless you've found a definitive answer on the age of your model 36 already, call Smith & Wesson @ 800-331-0852 and choose option 7 on the menu when the 'machine' answers. I gave the man my serial number and he told me the year (1967) mine was made.
Also, I would check thoroughly the comments made about parts being interchanged because the MSRP for a vintage model 36 is $729.00.
I don't know if this gives my nickname so its: michael10sley

 

[66Park]

Well, darn. I can't see the pictures. It says "private album."

 

[Hondo44]

Unless you've found a definitive answer on the age of your model 36 already, call Smith & Wesson @ 800-331-0852 and choose option 7 on the menu when the 'machine' answers. I gave the man my serial number and he told me the year (1967) mine was made.
Also, I would check thoroughly the comments made about parts being interchanged because the MSRP for a vintage model 36 is $729.00.
I don't know if this gives my nickname so its: michael10sley

Hi Michael, welcome to the forum.

You can only have an MSRP for a new model currently for sale. There cannot be a Manuf. Suggested Retail Price for any vintage gun. That's a price for a new Mod 36. No relevancy to vintage gun prices or parts being interchanged.

 

[gordonrick]

I couldn't see the pictures either, but sounds like a nice catch! Easily $450 - 500 down here, not that you will ever want to sell it...

Rick

 

[bigjo911]

Sorry about the locked photos, just noticed . Here are the shots. I regretfully sold this last year. I shot it a few times and took an offer of $450 for it.