Ky Bob
Member
Can someone give me a date when this pistol was manufactured? Serial number is 862XX. Thanks, Bob
Need info on Pre-Model 36
- Thread starter Ky Bob
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El_Phantasmo
Member
Looks like 1956, but hopefully two-bit-cowboy sees this to double check me.
I've got one that is stamped 864xx so ours are pretty close.
I've got one that is stamped 864xx so ours are pretty close.
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Ky Bob
Member
Thanks El. Here she is new never fired but NO box. I'll never understand why people throw away boxes for guns. The original owner changed out the grips for some fake pearl which I didn't care for so I got these off the Bay.
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El_Phantasmo
Member
Very nice, looks immaculate, and I like the darker reddish grips, its a nice change from the same old same old.
Cool!
Cool!
Bob, Is the upper side plate screw present on this serial number pre-36 ?
It is usually accepted that the upper side plate screw was eliminated from production sometime in the late 1955 to early 1956 time frame. This still doesn't mean it shipped in these years. Only a S&WHF research letter will tell for sure.
I have some J frames with upper side plate screw that shipped as late as 1959. One of the 1959 shipped is a 67xxx serial number Chief, however, that is one of the odd ball "out of sequence" ship dates.
I'd be curious to know. Post some pix for us. Good hunting. Sal Raimondi
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Ky Bob
Member
Yes Sal, it does have the upper side plate screw. Look back 3-4 post and you will see some pics I posted earlier today.
OK, I see. Stocks appear to be retro instead of original (as you stated). Other than that it looks great. If surely warrants the expense of finding a set of pristine original stocks. 1956 would be a good "guesstimate".
if you get stuck and cannot find a nice enough set of originals, email me. I probably have a few sets stashed somewhere. Sal
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Ky Bob
Member
Thanks Sal. Someday I may look for a set of the correct grips but I paid $600 for it which was probably too much. Especially without the box.
I disagree. I don;t hunk you paid too much. Early Chief's specials in Nickel were not produced in mass quantities yet it is not factually "rare", however, difficult to find in such nice condition and surely a collector's novelty.
Examine well for evidence and / or markings of factory nickel finish which is the "N" (for nickel) stamps. One should be a larger "N" on the left grip frame and another smaller on underside of barrel near SN on barrel. There may be other N markings also.
If an original finish Nickel (and not a refinish) you're OK in your expense to investment ratio.
If you see a R-N (either by itself or inside a rectangle ... with a date stamped on the grip frame that's a Factory R(efinish) N(ickel).
I mention this just so you know for yourself but from what I can determine by the photos ... it looks righteous. I sold a consecutive numbered set of 1961 ship date, nickel, ANIB Model 36 stamped Chiefs to a friend, collector and vintage gun dealer here in Florida (about a year ago) for $2250.00. boxes, papers, cleaning tools, warranty cards and such all intact. Original label on the correct silver (not grey) pre-Bangor Punta boxes.
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It's a 3-screw (no upper side plate screw), which started in the 7XXXX range. The first 3-screw on my list is 72759.
The one in the image is 70354, and you can clearly see the four screws thanks to the service grips. It shipped in February '56.
861XX shipped in July '56, and 873XX shipped in May '56 so I'd bet Ky Bob's shipped somewhere along there.
ps: I have to agree with Sal that you didn't necessarily overpay. It's gorgeous, and it's one of the less-common square butts (my preference). Here's a '62 Chiefs with the correct grips.
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Ky Bob
Member
Whoa, love those grips on the Nickle.
