**Scarce Smith & Wesson Chief's Special Airweight Pre-Model 37 with Alloy Cylinder in Box

.38 Special. 2" barrel length. SN: 27359. Black anodized finish to frame and aluminum cylinder with blued small parts, color case hardened hammer and trigger, and mounting checkered walnut Smith & Wesson medallion grips. Double action hand ejector five-shot revolver with topstrap notch and matted front ramp sights on a round butt frame. Item features an aluminum alloy cylinder, four screw frame, pinned barrel, and a flat cylinder latch. Standard make and model markings include Smith & Wesson four-line address to the right frame and Smith & Wesson monogram trademark to left. Right barrel shows AIRWEIGHT/38 SPECIAL CTG. with the left displaying SMITH & WESSON marking. Serial numbers match. Comes in a red cardboard box with Smith & Wesson end label showing the standard Chiefs Special marking with AIRWEIGHT stamp. Owner's manual included in the box.

It is estimated that 3,777 examples of the "Pre-Model 37" were manufactured with an alloy cylinder with reported serial numbers ranging up to 44577. The majority of these were produced in the round-butt configuration. While the use of aluminum alloy permitted the revolver to weigh in at a mere 10 3/4 ounces, these cylinders were known to develop cracks during use, and resulted in Smith & Wesson reverting to a steel cylinder on further production.

WARNING: Aluminum cylinder variants are unsafe to fire with full power ammunition and should not be fired.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Good to Very Good. Bore is Very Bright with sharp rifling throughout. Anodized finish shows edgewear overall with some flaking at the edges. Cylinder displays a continuous light drag line. Muzzle shows some wear to the bluing. Case colors remain vibrant. Grips retain fine details with a split forming to the forward edge of the right panel. Action exhibits good timing with some old lubricants slowing the action. Box shows some stains throughout with scuffs to the corners. The word Personal has been written on the lid in pen.

WARNING: Aluminum cylinder variants are unsafe to fire with full power ammunition and should not be fired.

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**Scarce Smith & Wesson Chief's Special Airweight Pre-Model 37 with Alloy Cylinder in Box

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