First time poster, history buff, gun lover and military enthusiast.
I bought this .32 S&W as a gift for my wife's promotion to SSgt. It is an early model one, serial number 39xxx.
The engraving is to one Col Lewis Black and says "to the Cleveland Grays". Originally called the Cleveland City Guards, the Grays where organized on 28 Aug 1837 as a border guard for the north, protecting the US from invasion from Canada. In 1838 they adopted the motto "Semper Paratus" (Always Prepared). His history came with the gun, a Civil War private, 150th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, who went on to form the Bailey Company (one of Cleveland's major department stores). The title Colonel may have been honorary, coming from his longtime membership with the Grays or his close affiliation with the Knights of Pythias fraternal society.
The gun itself is lacking a history, minus its attachment to Col Lewis Black, and I am interested in finding more out about it. Was it produced at the factory as a 3 1/4" or other style which was cut down? or was this a custom job by a gunsmith? The barrel length is under 2" and has a gold front sight. The barrel stampings are on top, much of the writing has been cutoff and partially obscured by the sight. Seems unfired. Can anyone here tell me more about the gun? My buddy owns a pawn shop, he did not think the gun had been refinished. Value$500-600. He said the price would keep going up if it could be shown that Col Black was a somebody and that the gun had been custom made at the factory. I will post more pics when I get it back, left it with my friend to get the other handle engraved for my wife. It will read SSgt Mindy Ford USAF. Beats buying jewelry. Sure is a nice piece of iron, pearl and gold!