Model 36 Yoke and Frame stamping Question

[Markren57]

I recently acquired a round butt model 36
It’s serial no. 1253XX
My understanding is this is the start of the model 36’s
In 1957 this would be the first 300
Thing I don’t understand is yoke and frame are stamped with a
U 63638
According to every thing I’ve read in 1957 with the start of the model 36’s the frames were stamped with the model number.
I’m just curious if this was the model at the beginning of the 36 production or a production number.
The thing that makes me think it’s a model number is the 36 and 38 in that number.
Again just curious if anyone has a 125XXX serial number with the same stamping.

 

[JP@AK]

Hi Markren57 and welcome to the S&W Forum.

Model numbers were assigned in June, 1957. However, they did not show up on revolvers until at least sometime in 1958, on all models. Bob, our resident expert on the Chiefs Special, has informed us that the first Model 36 did not ship until the late summer of 1958, IIRC. He will probably come along soon and clarify that and might even give you the serial number of the earliest one he knows about.

63638 is simply a parts-tracking number used during assembly (often called an assembly number). The digits only coincidentally resemble the (future) model number, etc. That means nothing. The U is a fitter's mark and also means nothing now.

What you have is a Chiefs Special, not a Model 36. Some would call it a "pre-Model 36."

 

[Markren57]

Thanks for the info
Hopefully Bob can give me an idea when it was made.
I also thought S/N 125000 in 1957 was the start of the model 36.
Again this is not stamped with mod-36
I’m just curious about the history.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Welcome aboard from ol' Wyo.

The literature says 125000, but the database I maintain blows
that number out of the water.

S&W's order to add model numbers is dated June 12, 1957.

Here's a photo of the first Model 36 known (so far). The serial
number is 126017, and it shipped on September 4, 1958. The
MOD-36 stamp is below its assembly number. This is the only
one I've seen like that. Around the same time S&W moved the
frame assembly number to the lower left side of the grip frame.

There are lots more higher than it without model numbers.

S&W neither produced nor shipped handguns in serial order so
attempting to "make it make sense" will only make you crazy.

Regarding your Chiefs Special, the database lists more than 60
with 125xxx serial numbers. They all shipped between July and
October 1958, and none of them we've seen are stamped MOD-36.

ps: this thread belongs in the previous forum

 

[Markren57]

Bob
Appreciate the response
So Regardless of the serial number because no mod-36 stamp
This in fact a pre model 36 still a Chiefs Special.
Totally understand just confused by the 125000 serial numbers and references I’ve seen to model 36’s starting in 1957.
So based on every you know this is a 1958 production date.
And again Thanks for the response it’s interesting insight.
Mark

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Hi Mark,

Smith & Wesson introduced its "Model J" at the October 1950
International Association of Chiefs of Police conference. The
marketing team asked the chiefs to name its "Model J."

As S&W tells the story the popular name was "Chiefs Special."

That is still the model's name! It hasn't changed, even though
the company added model number 36 to the mix.

Cheers,