Yup, that is an early Chiefs Special. What collectors call a "Baby" Chiefs Special. It has the rounder, smaller trigger guard (hence the "baby" designation) - vs the more oval shaped one with a bigger opening in front of the trigger . It is also what is known as a flat latch - in reference to the style of the cylinder release thumb piece - and it has what are known as diamond magna grips. If you remove the grips the right one should also have the serial number stamped or written in pencil on the inside surface.
The serial number places its manufacture in late 1952 - around five years before they assigned this model the model number 36. Finish in the photos appears to be somewhere in the range of 95% original or better, which is very good for a nearly 70 year old revolver.
In my area the monetary value would be around $600 +/- depending on exact condition and whether or not there is a factory original box, tools, and paperwork to go with it.
For a lot of people the family connection can be priceless.