Pre-36

[dacoontz]

This was one of my first Smith & Wesson revolvers. Picked this one up online for under $300. I think the bidding stayed low due to the factory refinish. I didn't know enough to care at the time and now that I do know enough, I still don't care. The only thing besides the obvious markings on the frame that tell me that it is a refinish is how smooth the rebound slide pin is. There's one pic that shows the mirror refinish on the left side and the pin is transparent unless you inspect it very closely.

I also just picked this box up for it and I don't think I could get much closer in number if I tried. I was lucky. It does have a bunch of writing on the top in pencil and some sort of black waxy material around the insode and bottom. I have gently removing the waxy stuff with a credit card but it still leaves a little residue behind. Is it possible to remove that writing and residue with some trick as to not ruin the box. I'd be mighty obliged if anyone had some pointers for me. Enjoy the pics.

On a side note: A big thank you to Mike (ladder 13) for the S&W prop rod. No more need for the mini mag light.

 

[Dan M]

very nice Dan, wow the box sure was close in number

Dan

 

[SDH]

A Terrier would be a Pre-32... Very cool, especially with the box numbers!
Here's mine, about 46,000 later, but both have magna's... unlike the 1954 Gun Digest gun.
anyone have ship date info? mine is #71983

 

[dacoontz]

A Terrier would be a Pre-32... Very cool, especially with the box numbers!
Here's mine, about 46,000 later, but both have magna's... unlike the 1954 Gun Digest gun.
anyone have ship date info? mine is #71983

I thought that too. So is this box not correct for this gun? I figured either way with the number being so close that I had to get it, but wondered about the "terrier" referenceon the box. The Standard catalog says these red boxes were for these early chiefs specials. Would the correct box simply have a label that said chief's special instead? I thought the chiefs special designation didn't become mainstream until later. Any clarification would be great. Thanks for the comments.

 

[Dragon88]

This model was introduced at the Int’l Ass’n of Chiefs of Police conference. "Chief's Special" would be considered the original name, and the designation Model 36 came later with the change in S&Ws product line. Looks like you might have a Baby Chief there but I'm not sure, someone else will have to chime in. Here's my model 36 no dash for comparison.

 

[bobsdad]

Thanks for photos of the beautiful old snubby. And that box deserves special care. You asked for tips on how to clean the box. I have had some luck using a commercial wallpaper cleaner "putty" on old cardboard and paper products. I'll include a link below describing one of these cleaners. I use small amounts of this putty like material somewhat like an eraser to remove old stains and dirt. Test it first on a similar old box or cardboard so you familiarize yourself with what it does. I can't guarantee it but its the best/safest method I've found for cleaning antique paper and cardboard. Just go easy and good luck.



Absorene Company, supplier of sponges, bath accessories, and wallpaper cleaner

 

[dacoontz]

bobsdad,
Thanks for the link. I may have to give that stuff a try. It looks reasonably priced as well.