@ 1979
Made in 1953. Model Numbers did not come into use unitl @ 1957. Sounds like you have a Chief Special Airweight. Later numbered as a Model 37.
45 years old
Mid 1960's.
69-70
1982
100-500 USD
My serial # is near yours and I purchased it new in 1968.
Up unitl @ 1957 model numbers were not used. Check inside the frame near the crane, it has a model number, it will be there.
@ 58-59 years old
Sounds to me that you have a smith and Wesson mod-12.These fine .38 special revolvers are selling for 200-300 dollars depending on the overall condition of the gun.
- 50-400 usd
Airweight was the name S & W gave to their early aluminum alloy frame handguns. I believe that they were all built on their "J" frame, hence the J prefix. If your handgun has an exposed hammer it is a Model 37 Chief Special Airweight, if the hammer is covered by a shroud it is a Model 38 Bodyguard Airweight. I believe that the model # should be visable by opening the the cylinder and looking at the point where the cylinder yoke indexes when the when closed.