Unusual (rare?) Model 36

[T45Rex]

Ok folks....put ur thinkin caps on! I recently aquired a S&W Mdl 36 (no dash) .38 Spc. snubby. The gun is nickel plated with a pinned barrel and appears virtually unfired or fired very little. It's really tight. I know the pinned barrel means made prior to '80. Here's the kicker....it has gold plated trigger/hammer which apparently is not too common and has definantely had a trigger job. Either by a competant gunsmith or from the factory like some of the current "super tuned" from Smith. Either way it is a really noticably smoother action and trigger than normal. Anybody know what this could be? Did S&W have some special editions like that? Oh, SN is 615xxx and it does have walnut square grips. I find no reference in the Blue Book to any editions with gold triggers/hammers. Hmmm...the cylinder release latch is also gold plated. I'm stumped. Thanks for any info you may have and have a great one!
I was told in another forum that having a model number meant a BD after '57 and no J in the S/N made it pre-69. Limited editions during that time frame??

 

[BUFF]

I am not familiar with anything made at the factory like that. "Special Editions" were a much later development at S&W. I would be willing to believe that the gold plated parts were done after the fiveshooter left the factory.

 

[45Wheelgun]

I am not familiar with anything made at the factory like that. "Special Editions" were a much later development at S&W. I would be willing to believe that the gold plated parts were done after the fiveshooter left the factory.

+1 The man is correct. That said, "anything" is possible from S&W, but in this case I would say unlikely.

 

[T45Rex]

Thanks for the reply. I was also leaning toward an after-market job, although if that is the case it is a high quality job. I was also under the impression that in those days one could special order guns from S&W if you were willing to pay the price. Guess in this case it may be worth it to pay S&W for a history trace if for no other reason than to satisfy curiosity! When I get a chance I will take and post some pics of the gun. It is a pretty little thing!