The Really Old Chief's Special Thread
- Thread starter bmcgilvray
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IceCreamMan
Member
DBWesson
SWCA Member, Absent Comrade
What is a Model 53? Do you chief guys have your own models?
Is it the elongated trigger guard year?
DB
Is it the elongated trigger guard year?
DB
05CarbonDRZ
Member
I looked at my last post...it was the 1st Baby I ever bought in 2012.
here are a couple more.
SN 37744 Lettered Oct 1953 with original nickel finish
SN 35920 with original box shipped July 29 1953
I also have a smooth ramp front sight I cant find a pick of right now.
S/N 12041 May 1952
here are a couple more.
SN 37744 Lettered Oct 1953 with original nickel finish
SN 35920 with original box shipped July 29 1953
I also have a smooth ramp front sight I cant find a pick of right now.
S/N 12041 May 1952
thepianolist
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Bought this around the same time I got my .32 Safety Hammerless. It's not perfect but I think it is all original. Is this the last of the flat latch models?
Bryant
Bryant
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That's a beauty and the whole package! Yes its is the last flat latch, 3rd style, a J frame Model 30-1 made between Jan 1961 and 1966.
thepianolist
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Thanks, Jim! I came here originally when I was looking for information on High Standard "space guns" but this IS a Smith & Wesson forum so I thought I would join in with a couple of mine.
Bryant
Bryant
Bryant, thank you for providing me with an interesting tangent to read about. Space-guns are rather nifty.
hotrod150
Member
Nobody answered thios one...per SCSW, the model 53 is a k-frame chambered for the 22 Jet cartridge.
hotrod150
Member
A model 53 is a Chiefs Special Target....I think
Per SCSW, a "Chief Special Target" (with adjustable sights) should be marked as either a model 36-1 or a model 50.
DB,
Not sure what you mean by: "Do you chief guys have your own models?"
I think you're referring to the 'Model of 1953' New I frames and J frames which received the elongated trigger guards.
Check out these commentaries:
THE POST WAR I FRAMES EVOLUTION - Smith & Wesson Forum
Simplified Chronology - "Model .38 Chiefs Special" - Smith & Wesson Forum
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A couple of pictures of my nickel Chief. 1953 5 screw. Serial #36117
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Tom
Tom
Doran, very nice!
If it matters, a little Mother's Mag Wheel polish will make it look brand new.
If it matters, a little Mother's Mag Wheel polish will make it look brand new.
Hondo, Thanks for info on polish. It looks much better.
Baby Chief with serrated ramp front sight, serial number 39503 which I'm guessing is late '53 or early '54.
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05CarbonDRZ
Member
Baby Chief with serrated ramp front sight, serial number 39503 which I'm guessing is late '53 or early '54.
Nice Stags,Those are sweet!
doc540
Member
Serial #60712
My Chief's Special Lightweight in factory nickel
Are these rare?
My Chief's Special Lightweight in factory nickel
Are these rare?
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I think any Airweight revolver in factory nickel is "special" if not rare. Enough were made that they should not be rare but there sure aren't many around that made it through the test of time, well, at least not that I have found.
Of the few that have passed me in all my days, many had been found peeling or "veining" getting ready to peel. Most of the others found had been refinished. I have only two factory airweights in nickel, in the box. One is a Centennial and the other a Bodyguard. I purchased both at a Devine auction appx 20 years ago.
They are both "in the box" factory nickel and neither has been refinished. I had purchased a third at that same auction, a Chief Special airweight, but sent it back as it was obviously and poorly refinished. Once refinished, the collectable value to me is $0.00.
I have one more that is "hard chrome". That one was originally a factory nickel (Stamped N) but when found it and purchased it, the cost was so little it didn't matter ... and ... it was in excellent, mechanical, condition.
If is surely not easy to find an Airweight Nickel in excellent condition with the original finish.
PS: If that puppy has an alloy cylinder, you have something that is quite scarce. Good find !!
doc540
Member
does not....steel cylinder and barrel
Modified
Member
May as well bump this very worthy thread with my ticket to the baby club:
Very pleased, but it just makes me want one the early ones with the half moon sight all the more, but at $500 I was expecting something in a lot worse shape then this to come off of gunbroker.
S/N 34510 in case anyone needs that for a book here or there.
Very pleased, but it just makes me want one the early ones with the half moon sight all the more, but at $500 I was expecting something in a lot worse shape then this to come off of gunbroker.
S/N 34510 in case anyone needs that for a book here or there.
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Shiny Pre 36
Not sure if I've posted this one. I chase the shiny ones.
Not sure if I've posted this one. I chase the shiny ones.
Here are a few chief specials:
Pre 36, half moon sight, five screw frame. SN 594
Pre 36, smooth ramp sight, five screw frame. SN 9XXX
Pre 36, serrated ramp, five screw frame. SN 17XXX
Pre 40, four screw frame. SN 3XXX
Pre 37, four screw frame.
Pre 36, target model, circa 1959, 1 of about 200, SN 149XXX
Pre 36, half moon sight, five screw frame. SN 594
Pre 36, smooth ramp sight, five screw frame. SN 9XXX
Pre 36, serrated ramp, five screw frame. SN 17XXX
Pre 40, four screw frame. SN 3XXX
Pre 37, four screw frame.
Pre 36, target model, circa 1959, 1 of about 200, SN 149XXX
Modified
Member
Friend of mine made some escutcheons for an old set of ivory stocks I had picked up somewhere. Turns out they are I frame and they fit beautifully.
Kind of a nice side benefit to the I frame I guess.
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