Nice Old Mdl 36 - d.o.b?

[Prefer P&R]

I just picked up a really nice old 3", SB, pinned barrel, mdl 36 (no-dash) with box, cleaning rod, mop, and brush. Serial number is 8J8XXX (on the butt and box). I have the Standard Catalog of S&W 3rd ed by Supica and Nahas but the ser num doesn't seem to fit any pattern in the appendix giving manufacturing dates. Does anyone have any other good sources for mfg dates? Thx.

 

[linde]

The Standard Catalog has a typo which adds to the confusing serial number assigned to J frames.

1971 - 1972 should read 1J1 to 999J99

Yours would be one of 1971 serial numbers.

Note there are up to five numberical digits in addition to the letter J. In 1983 the factory started another 1J series but with six numerical digits. Confusing.

Russ

 

[Prefer P&R]

Thank you for the info and the typo correction. It makes sense now.