Production date for an S&W Model 36

[Counterbore]

Good day, I was hoping those in the know could help me date a S&W Model 36 my son purchased the other day. The serial number is 151850 and is has an odd cylinder release button. The button is more rectangular and flat in shape.
We found this revolver at a gun shop sitting on the counter in an old leather holster. Turns out they just received it from an estate sale and were asked to sell it. It was actually in pretty good shape with original grips.
My son paid $450 for it so I was hoping to get any thoughts on the price as well production date, keeping in mind I live in California where finding a firearm anymore is like hitting the lottery. Thanks.

 

[dsbock]

Your son's Model 36 dates to sometime between 1958 and 1962.
Model 36 number stamping started with 125,000 in 1957
1962 ended with 295,999
Annual production figures are not listed in the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson.

The cylinder release button is referred to as the flat-latch model and will often bring a premium as that design change occurred in 1966.

Prices and values are hard to quantify because of the many variables.

 

[Absalom]

The flat latch is correct for that serial. I have #148xxx which shipped in April 1959, so yours likely falls later into the same year.

The appropriateness of the price depends a lot on the condition, but as you describe it, $450 seems not a steal, but acceptable (at least in the real world ; I can't judge the California factor).

 

[dsbock]

Absalom,

Thanks for chiming in with your pistol's production date.

David

 

[Targets Guy]

Cherish the Chief.

 

[Counterbore]

Thank you to all of you that responded to my questions about the Model 36 my son just purchased. I learn something new every time I come to this website and truly appreciate the knowledge and insight everyone brings.
Thanks again!

 

[DWalt]

I list one having a SN a little closer to yours - 1500xx which shipped in 5/60. That simply reflects the fact that S&W did not ship its guns in serial number order. It's likely yours was manufactured in 1959.