Model 36 DOB

[swede4198b]

I just picked up a S&W Model 36 at an auction for a steal. The auctioneer said it was a Model 35 so there was little interest in it. It has rubber grips that covered the serial number, when I removed them I found that the S/N was 1521XX, which is much older than the wear on the revolver shows. Any idea when it was made?

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from Wyoming.

S&W doesn't track manufacturing dates, only shipping dates, and the company didn't ship guns in serial number order so it's a best guess. Based on others in my database I'd say yours likely shipped in late spring or summer of '59. Nice find! Congrats.

The audience at the auction might have realized when the auctioneer said "Model 35" that they have 6" barrels and knew he wasn't correct.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

Welcome to the forum let us know how it shoots and cogradulations on getting a good deal .

 

[swede4198b]

They were selling about 60 guns at this auction and the auctioneers knew rifles and shotguns but were totally clueless about handguns. I got the Model 36 for $200 and a Dan Wesson Model 14 with a 2" barrel and original box with minimal wear for $350. I did pass on a LNIB FEG Hi-power clone that went for $350. A long barreled Model 29 with box in cherry condition did go for $850.