This is a 1952 Smith & Wesson J frame Chief’s Special 5 Shot 3” barrel, Pre Model 36 chambered in 38 Special. This was made before they designated model numbers on the crane in 1957. This is a rare 3” pinned barrel, 5 screw (4 screw side plate, and 1 screw on trigger guard). 1 screw is covered by the grips in the photos. It also has the flat latch cylinder release, and case colored hammer and trigger.
I replaced the grips to make it more comfortable to shoot, but the original Diamond Magna grips are included. (4 grips in all) Last 2 pictures show them installed. The factory grips alone sell for $100-$150 on eBay. I will also include a leather holster and a box of ammo.
This is a numbers matching early 5 digit serial number instead of 6. Frame, barrel, cylinder, and grip numbers all match. The bluing is exceptional with very little wear. Definitely a nice collector piece.
I am pricing this based on Gunbroker 2” Pre Model 36s. I’ve never found another 3” Pre Model, only newer model 36, a good indicator of its rarity. Probably worth alot more than I am asking.