Need the serial number.
Stainless Steel Chief's Special
The "J" frame is the Smith & Wesson small frame revolver such as the model 36 .38 special. The smallest frame, as in the model 36 Chief's Special.
Smith & Wesson uses a letter system to denote the frame size of their current revolvers. A "K" framed revolver is the size of the Mdl 66 357 Magnum revolver. A "J" frame is smaller, used on guns such as the model 36 chief's Special. Letters earlier are smaller, later in the alphabet are larger.
50-300 USD or so
Just a standard revolver
contact mfg. but if in good condition worth about $550.00 taken from Modern Gun Values 14th edition
There are entire books on S&W handguns, so we can't cover everything in a short answer. Prior to WW 2, S&W had names for their various models. They later numbered the models- so that the Military & Police Special became the Model 10. The Chief's Special became the Model 36. When they added stainless steel guns, the first number became a 6, such as the stainless steel Chief's Special, the Model 60. They are now using 3 numbers to identify specific models. S&W also uses a letter to indicate frame sizes. The smallest is currently the J frame (Chief's Special size) the K frame (size of the Model 10) and the larger L,M, and N frames.
S&W never made a 38 Magnum. A Model 36-10, AKA The 38 Chief's Special, which is chambered in 38 Special, is worth 100-400 USD
Open the cylinder and look at the yoke for a model number. S&W has made many 38 Special revolvers (which designates the cartridge, not the model). For a value, you will need model, serial number (for age), and NRA condition.
There were three Miroku 38 Special revolvers made between 1960 and 1984 when production finally ceased. The most common of these revolvers, and I use that term advisedly, was the Miroku Liberty Chief. The Liberty Chief was a 2" barreled, six-shot caliber 38 Special revolver using a mix of S&W and Colt styling. The closest design to the Liberty Clief was undoubtably the Colt Detective Special. Having handled a few of these revolvers (and owning a near-mint version) I can say they are remarkably well-made. After all, Miroku shotguns and rifles are universally thought to be quite well executed.The total number of these revolvers made exceeds 160,000, only a very few of which were imported into the US in the 1964-1967 time-frame. Personally I would consider this revolver to be every bit as carefully crafted as a Colt or S&W of the same period. If you shoot your Miroku revolver, shoot only standard pressure 38 Special ammunition. After all, most of these revolvers are over 50 years old.For a Liberty Chief in mint, new-in-the-box condition with the box, top price might be $350 - 400 is my guess. My Liberty Chief, in honest 96% condition, should bring $275 by my guess. Unfortunately, there are few people who collect these cute little unknown revolvers.
Made in 1981. Take it to a gunsmith for positive identification or call S&W.
he is the youngest ever chief minister