Pre Model 36

[Chemist3]

Some time ago I purchased an early Pre model 36. SN 4042x. A friend wants to purchase. These seem un-common so not sure of fair price. Grips are not numbered. Gun seems little fired and not hoslter worn, but shows age. I beleive DOM is 1953? I beleive has small grip, round trigger guard, flat latch but not half moon sight? Any thoughts on fair price? Any help much appreciated.
I have been reader on forum but not poster. Hope this is correct forum location.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the cotton and peanut covered plains of the Wiregrass! It looks like a Baby Chief from 1952. Are you sure about that serial number? Is it from the butt or inside the yoke cut?

 

[Chemist3]

Thanks you for the welcome. The SN I gave (40,42x) is from the butt. Yoke has 16356. I was working (TDY) in Ft. Lauderdale many years ago had evenings free. Lots of retired police in S. FL so I was picking up S&W's when everyone wanted a Glock. I got the DOM from my 3rd Ed. SCSW (assuming it was SN 4042x). When I purchased this I knew it was early and perhaps smaller grip. Like it a lot but at 73 yo looking to reduce holdings.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Ok. Most of the Chiefs Specials I know about with serials near yours were shipping in 1954. S&W updated the CS in 1953 to an oval trigger guard and longer grip frame. I'm not sure at what serial that occurred but perhaps Bob (two-bit cowboy) does. Obviously, yours preceded that transition.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

This is the correct forum.

The carbon steel Chiefs Specials didn't switch to the four-screw
frame with the longer grip frame and oval trigger guard till around
serial number 460xx in June 1954.

40171 shipped in January 1954.

40901 shipped in April 1954.

S&W made no attempt to produce or ship guns in serial number order.

A huge detractor for me is the unnumbered right stock.

The serrated ramp front sight began after serial number 12750,
and the third flat thumbpiece began around serial number 357xx.

Based on other 2" five-screw Chiefs near your serial number and
in its condition (based on your description and photos) I'd guess a
price of $500 or so might be in line with the market.

 

[UNCLE PAULY]

Bought my 1960 M36 for $500 a few years ago.

So if I were selling to a friend, I agree that $500 would be a fair friend price.