There are markings other than serial numbers that may tell when one was made. Yours sounds like a very early gun. When Bill Goforth died much of what we knew was lost. If it was before 1925 the word CHAMPION was stamped above all other markings and after 1925 the word CHAMPION was below all other markings. From your serial number it soulds like 1909-1917 sounds reasonable.
Bill Goforth thought this was a close approximation of when they were made.
1909-1917 Champion model 36= numbers only from 1 up to 99,999
1917-1921 Champion= numbers and a single letter suffix.
1921-1939 Champion= numbers and two letter suffix.
1939-1956 Champion= letters only.
1971-1978 Champion= unknown.
Look for a letter code on the gun if you do not see a numerical serial number. Champs were made in Fitchburg Massachusetts.
The lettered Serial Number Decoder literally spells out the name of the town.....
F=1
I=2
T=3
C=4
H=5
B=6
U=7
R=8
G=9
"X" = 0 (zero)
According to another source, the lettered guns were made from 1939-1957. So if you find a letter code of GIBF that would be made between 1939 - 1956(7). I have a gun with serial letters GIBF which I know was made in 1950 as it was a wedding gift to a family member.
Last edited by KY Jon; 02/03/21 11:44 PM.
