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S&W MODEL 36 (no dash) DOM

MOONED
I have a nice (95% & blue) little model 36 and am curious of the date of manufacture. The serial number on the bottom of the frame is 7J19XX. When the crane is swung open, the model is a 36 with no dash. It is not a flat latch model, the barrel is pinned and the cylinder is not recessed. I have looked through a couple of different books and haven't found a good date in which this was manufactured. Also, doesn't a "no dash" model typically bring a higher value than a new variation? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Aaron
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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • cussedemgun
    mooned,

    Please look closely at your ser# in strong natural light using a magnifying glass. It is probably 1J---- rather than 7J----. The book has no listing of a 7J ser#.

    Assuming the number is actually 1J19XX, the manuf. date would be 1982.

    The 38 Chief's Special (pre M36) was first introduced in 1950. In 1957 the model numbering system was introduced & stamping the M36 inside the crane started.

    1967 - the M36-1 was introduced to indicate the 3" heavy barrel version (not all guns were -1's, only the 3 inchers)

    1988 - the -2 was added for an engineering change (new yoke retention system on the tapered barrel models)

    SOOO-- to answer if the M36 no-dash model will command a premium, the answer is definately a 'maybe'. As always, the older the gun, the more collecter interest, BUT with the span of 31 years in production, the M36 no-dash isn't exactly 'scarce'.

    Jim
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  • MOONED
    Finally, some pictures to go with my questions....


    [img][/img]100_6065.jpg
    [img][/img]100_6064.jpg
    [img][/img]100_6063.jpg
    [img][/img]100_6061.jpg
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  • rufe-snow
    Hate to say it but it looks to me like somebody doctored your S.N.. That first 7 shouldn't be there. "J" frame serial numbers ran from J1 to J99999 in the 69-70 time frame.

    The "K" frames had serial numbers with a 7 prefix, the "J" frames didn't.
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  • MOONED
    Well, I just looked at the revolver again and the serial number is centered on the bottom of the frame and the "fonts" are the same...meaning the first and second number seven.

    Rufe, I've always gotten good, staight-up advise and I'm not suggesting otherwiase. But with looking at the gun in my hand in good light....I dunno. It looks great to me and doesn't appear to be "doctored-up". I'm at a loss....and not sure what to think.

    Aaron
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  • rufe-snow
    You might consider posting to the Smith & Wesson forum. Some of those guys have been collecting for years, they might have an explanation.
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  • Grasshopper
    Just checked my 36 no dash Smith,, doesn't have number in front of J...BUT yours looks legit and to me looks factory..nambu
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  • MOONED
    Thanks Rufe & Nambu for the replies. I appreciate the suggestion to post the pictures on the S&W site. I'll do that and see if I can get any other info.

    Aaron
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  • MOONED
    Well, I had a fellow on the Smith forum say that this variation was made in 71 - 72 and is considered a "floating J" variation, which has a serial range of 1JXXX - 9JXXX.

    I had never heard of that, but sounded good to me. I just thought I'd let you folks know the reply I received.

    Aaron
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  • Grasshopper
    quote:Originally posted by MOONED
    Well, I had a fellow on the Smith forum say that this variation was made in 71 - 72 and is considered a "floating J" variation, which has a serial range of 1JXXX - 9JXXX.

    I had never heard of that, but sounded good to me. I just thought I'd let you folks know the reply I received.

    Aaron


    You just can't learn enough,,thanks for the info.[:)]
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