.38 S & W Chiefs Special SS Model 60
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There is no prefix I can find. On the original box the serial number is 623XXX. On the bottom of the handle it is stamped 623XXX. With the cylinder open it is stamped Mod 60 on the frame. On the cylinder with it open it is stamped 38863 and underneath the letters PS. I can provide entire serial number without the XXX's, but am just cautious to do so on an open channel such as the internet.
On the original box it says 60 - for model number/ SS for fin/ 2 for barrel/ R for stock/ 6 for INS/ 1 for PKR/ then again 623 XXX for serial number. No other numbers or prefixes are on the gun or box. If anyone has any thoughts, please advise.
Thank you again for your time.
On the original box it says 60 - for model number/ SS for fin/ 2 for barrel/ R for stock/ 6 for INS/ 1 for PKR/ then again 623 XXX for serial number. No other numbers or prefixes are on the gun or box. If anyone has any thoughts, please advise.
Thank you again for your time.
Try the nice folks over here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com
http://smith-wessonforum.com
No letter prefix may be O.K.
The serial number is stamped on the butt, and they don't necessarily have a letter prefix. No. 623,xxx is enough - it was made during the late 1960's.
There is some confusion because they were numbered originally in the same serial number series with the model 36 Chief Special. Then an "R" prefix serial number series was started in 1969. The stocks that have a large diamond around the screw were discontinued during 1968, and if your revolver has this feature it could help date your gun.
Serial numbers: It is advisable to not submit a full serial number on a public forum unless there is a good reason to do so. However all you need to leave out is the last two numbers, such as #123,4xx as that may allow one to better date it without compromising your security.
The serial number is stamped on the butt, and they don't necessarily have a letter prefix. No. 623,xxx is enough - it was made during the late 1960's.
There is some confusion because they were numbered originally in the same serial number series with the model 36 Chief Special. Then an "R" prefix serial number series was started in 1969. The stocks that have a large diamond around the screw were discontinued during 1968, and if your revolver has this feature it could help date your gun.
Serial numbers: It is advisable to not submit a full serial number on a public forum unless there is a good reason to do so. However all you need to leave out is the last two numbers, such as #123,4xx as that may allow one to better date it without compromising your security.
Thank you for the help. This one has never been fired, still in the original box with the paper work. My uncle gave it to me. The serial number is 623,0XX. I am guessing these grips were not original? These were the only grips in the box. Any thoughts as to a value?
Thanks again for the help.
Thanks again for the help.
It should have checkered walnut stocks with a nickel plated S&W logo at the top. If there isn't a big diamond around the screw it simply means that it was likely made during late 1968 or thereafter,
An unfired, fully original example with the box and papers would have both a user's and collector's value. Local values may vary, but I would value it between $400 to $600, and expect it to continue to go up.
An unfired, fully original example with the box and papers would have both a user's and collector's value. Local values may vary, but I would value it between $400 to $600, and expect it to continue to go up.
I would check it to see if it attracts a magnet. I've heard early model 60s were made of non-magnetic stainless and they are supposed to be stronger than the magnetic stainless. My understanding is S&W was using the non-magnetic stainless but found it too difficult to machine and went to the magnetic stainless. Not sure when this change was supposed to have been made.
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bubbygator
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Nice gun. I carried one as a jewelry-shop gun for 5 years. I de-horned it myself... it melts very smoothly.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Here in "The Heart Of Old Dixie'land" 'bout $400 would be top dollar~!
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