[Poof38]

I bought a pre-36 5 shooter for the wife years ago that is still in excellent condition. Serial # 20xxx. I think it is pre-1952. Any ideas as to date of manufacture? Value? It's a round butt, flat latch model.

[c3shooter]

Your revolver is almost certainly 1952 or 1951. Changes that were made after it was introduced in 1950-

1951 - Slightly larger frame and triggerguard
1952 - Introduction of square butt at serial 21,342
1953 - Elimination of screw in triggerguard, larger grips (four-screw)
1955 - Removed upper sideplate screw at serial 75,000 (three-screw0
1957 - Chief's Special continued as the Model 36

Since we know that SN 21342 was made in 1952, SN 20xxx would have been that year or earlier.

Value? How much did you pay? Well, there ya go. :}

Seriously - we need PICTURES !!! Got box, papers, etc?

[Poof38]

No box, but it did come with a black leather holster. The holster has some cracks in it from drying out. It looks like someone stuck it in a drawer for a looooonnnnggg time and never shot or carried it. In order to do pictures, I'd need to locate the USB cable which is hiding at the moment. Thanks for your reply.

[Poof38]

I found the cord. See if the picture comes through.

[c3shooter]

Totally unscientific wild assed guess by me- Between $400 and $475 to the right buyer. Those are dandy little guns- the baby brother of yours was riding on my belt up until 30 minutes ago. Compact, reliable, and large enough to speak with some authority.

[Ruzai]

Good luck finding grips if those ever break because after 1952 they enlarged the frame size just a little and the new grips wont fit. From the features of the gun it looks like you could get a nice price. Interestingly enough according to a neat little book I have on Smith and Wessons... serial#- 337 was send to J. Edger Hoover of the FBI and engraved with his name. Blued finish. Verified in 1997 as still As New In Box. Last known traded price was "up there". On a smaller less significant note a small amount of the model 36 was sent to the Japanese government in 1950.