need help assessing a model 36

[keithvf]

New forum user. Just picked up a model 36, Nickel finish, 2" barrel, R (rosewood handle?) appears to be never fired. mint condition. Appears new in box... Box is blue rectangular shape with perforated metal reinforcements on the corners Box serial number reads 286 J92. box has several papers inside 1) Safety and instruction pamphlet, S&W registration card dated April 15, 1955, a cleaning kit that is in a sealed bag, and 5 hollow point shells marked R.P 38 SPL.P. The serial number on the butt of the handle reads J704215. my thoughts are this is not the revolver that came in the box because of the difference in the abbreviated serial number on the box and the full serial number on the butt of the gun. When the cylinder is opened to the side there are markings showing MOD 36 and the number 18228 F5. Barrel markings are .38 S&W SPL. frame reads Made in the USA, Marcas Registradas, Smith and Wesson, Springfield , MASS. Would appreciate any help in assessing the authenticity of the revolver, comments on the box/papers/cleaning kit, Model number on the butt vs model number on the box. Any range of valuation would also be appreciated.

 

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on getting a popular S&W.
The serial number on the box comes from about 1971 - 72. The number on the gun (J704215) comes from 1979 - 80. It is a model 36. The other numbers you see were used by the factory and don't mean anything now.
Rosewood grips would be unusual.
Let me add, with a nickel gun I believe the original box would have been grey, not blue.

 

[keithvf]

44 Mag

Also have a SW 44mag that In have had for a while M629-1 Two sets of numbers AFA 2658 and 35685 also some letters appears to be A what looks like an upside down T and an O there is a larger S imprinted a little lighter. stainless with a 6.5 inch barrel and wooden checkered handles... any information on this revolver would be much appreciated

 

[bamabiker]

AFA2658 should be the serial number and would come from 1984. All the other numbers and letters you see on S&Ws are assembly numbers or inspector's marks and were used by the factory during manufacture.
You will find the serial number for nearly all S&Ws on the butt of the gun. If a gun has target grips you will have to remove the grips to see this number. On some guns it will be stamped other places also but always on the butt.
There is one old model that had the serial number on the front strap of the grip frame.