Model 36 Dating not making sense

[Marco424]

So I picked this Model 36 up fairly cheap and am trying to date it.
It is marked Model 36 when you open the cylinder and has a 5 digit number, 116XX. This is also stamped on frame under the grips. The butt is stamped with a different number, 165XXX. Rhis serial number does not match the dating convention that I see everywhere.

1950 = start at 1
1952 = 7369 - 21342
1953 = 28916
1955 = 55050 - 75000
1957 = 117770 - 125000
1962 = starts at 295000
1969 = ends at 786544

J serial Prefix serial numbers.
For models 36, 37, 38, 49, 50.

1969-1970 = J1 - J99999
1971-1972 = 1J1 - 999J99
1973-1974 = J100000 - J250000
1975-1976 = J250001 - J370000
1976-1977 = J370001 - J610000
1977-1978 = J610001 - J670000
1979-1980 = J670001 - J760000
1981 = J760001 - J915400
1982 = J915401 - 1J18600
1983 = 1J18601 - 1JXXXX

1955 - 4 screw side plate ends
1957 - stamping of model number at 125000
1966 - flat latch ends
1968 - diamond grips end
1975 - heavy barrel standard
1982 - end pinned barrel

 

[FlyFish]

The number on the butt is the serial number - others are assembly numbers intended to keep track of fitted parts during manufacture and have no significance. Your SN indicates the gun shipped between 1958 and 1961.

 

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum!

The 165XXX is the serial #, the other # is an assembly # and of no help in dating the gun.

According to my database it was most likely shipped in the last quarter of 1959.

 

[Marco424]

Thanks for the help.

 

[s&wchad]

...serial number does not match the dating convention that I see everywhere.

1957 = 117770 - 125000
1962 = starts at 295000

1957 - stamping of model number at 125000
1966 - flat latch ends
1968 - diamond grips end

Welcome aboard!

This thread may be helpful. Click on the yellow link:
To IDENTIFY your Gun >

The information you already had really narrowed down the timeframe.
I see that your right grip panel has the serial number stamped on the back. While you didn’t show the front, you’ll notice that they have non-checkered diamond areas surrounding the grip screw escutcheons (metal inserts). That dates it before 1968. You didn’t show the cylinder release latch, but that’s style is referred to as a flat latch, which dates it no later than 1966. It’s stamped with a model number, so it’s no earlier than 1957.

The serial numbers you posted is in that unlisted gap and narrows it down further, between 1957 and 1962.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

I would guess September 1959. Although S&W didn't ship any models in serial number order, my database suggests a relatively orderly flow of Model 36 shipments in 1959, as if sales were steady enough to ship out the Chiefs Specials soon after they were completed. My own 2" square butt (like yours) is 167120, and it shipped in October '59.

 

[DWalt]

1650xx shipped in 9/59.

 

[Marco424]

Any Idea of the value of of the revolver? The hammer has been bobbed.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

My estimate would be +/- $400.

The images in your OP show some "character," and the bobbed hammer doesn't help. If the mechanics are good, it's still a solid little Chiefs Special.

 

[Art Doc]

The model number means it was made 1958 to 1961 because after that the 36-1 came along. This jives with chart when the correct serial is applied.

 

[handejector]

The model number means it was made 1958 to 1961 because after that the 36-1 came along. This jives with chart when the correct serial is applied.

This is another exception. The Dash-1 does not indicate an engineering change in this instance. It is the designation for the 3" heavy barrel. Mod 36 and 36-1 were built concurrently.

 

[crstrode]

This jives with chart when the correct serial is applied.

The correct word is jibe.
No jive!

Jibe has a nautical use (relating to turning the sail to go on an opposite tack), but it's most often used to mean agree or to be in accord. Jive refers to either jazz music, dancing, or nonsense talk.

 

[Art Doc]

Ya know, I think I have nothing more to say.