32 S&W Top Break

[randall25x]

My mothers friend inherited this little gun. She now wants to sell it. I have no clue what this is worth and am looking for some help. From what little i can tell, it may be worth $3-400? Would that be fair? Thanks

[murphydog]

It's a late production .32 Safety Hammerless, one of the last 3000 or so made. Unfortunately, it appears to have been refinished (the trigger is nickel instead of case colored and the sideplate seam is wide); if it is not heavily pitted internally and is mechanically sound I would guess $250 or so.

[opoefc]

It's a .32 Safety Hammerless, 3rd model made in the early 1930s. It's been heavily buffed and refinished in the past, so it has very little value as a collectable, but as a shooter, it's worth $150-$200 range, if it's in good mechanical condition. The pearl grips are an after market addition and are not original to the gun. Don't keep it in that holster too long , as the tannic acid in the leather will eventually cause the nickel plating on the gun to start lifting off the metal surfaces. Too bad the owner wants to sell a family heirloom. It will never bring enough $$ to offset it's intangible value to a family member that likes firearms. Ed.

[DWalt]

Even though it is a "shooter" it's nice-looking and it retains its original utility as a small, concealable personal defense weapon. However, the .32 S&W cartridge is not a powerhouse, and most today would not want to use it for personal defense (even though it's better than bare hands). I don't think it would be too much trouble to get $250 for it in a private sale. No gun or pawn shop would pay that much for it.

[randall25x]

Thanks for the help guys!