The serial number is 37677 and just the model number on the crane
A question or two.
Is the 37677 on the yoke cut out and yoke? or on the bottom of the butt?
If it's on the yoke and yoke cutout, the number 37677 is an assembly number S&W used to keep fitted yokes and frames together.
The reason I ask is if 37677 is the SN stamped on the butt, it's not a model 36 but a pre model Chiefs Special of about 54-55 vintage built on an early J frame. Model numbered Chief's Specials weren't made until about 1957.
S&W stamped frames prior to assembly and the assembler just grabbed a frame/yoke from a parts bin in no sequential order, then finished assembling the revolver. That one of the reasons a factory letter is the only sure way to see when a revolver was actually made and shipped.
