This Smith & Wesson Chiefs Special left the factory in 1955, before the company assigned the Model 36 number, and it shows the four-screw sideplate of that era. Chambered in .38 Special with a 1.875-inch pinned barrel, serial 72404, it wears blue steel and the correct diamond-checkered walnut grips. The bore is very good. The blue shows wear but most of it is present, and the supplier rates the overall condition as very good.

A snub-nose .38 is a classic Pennsylvania carry and nightstand revolver, and a 1955 pre-Model 36 with correct grips doubles as a collector's piece, so the buyer here is someone who wants both. The short barrel suits a coat pocket or a small holster. Pennsylvania has no permit to purchase, no registration and no waiting period; the transfer is Form 4473, the state Record of Sale and a PICS check at your dealer. Any future private sale has to go through a licensed dealer or the county sheriff.

Key features

• .38 Special, 1.875-inch pinned barrel
• 1955 production, four-screw pre-Model 36
• Blue steel, diamond-checkered walnut grips
• Bore very good, most blue present
• Serial 72404

Handguns ship to a Pennsylvania FFL dealer for the 4473, the Record of Sale and PICS; you must be 21 or older.