Out of my bailywick on this one. Trying to help a friend identify and evaluate a .32 revolver that was passed down to him. He doesn't want to sell it, just trying to find out exactly what it is and what it's worth. Sorry for the crummy pics, but I haven't actually seen the gun yet, these were pics he sent to me.


I've identified it as a .32 Safety Hammerless 3rd Model. Is this correct? He describes it as being in approximately 95% overall condition with an excellent bore.

So, am I right & what's it worth?

Normally, an important detail is the serial number in order to be sure, but I think you have the correct ID there. Only concern is that I cannot quite see if there is a pinned or forged front sight. I think it looks forged to the barrel and that would be a Third Model. Percentage finish can not be determined accurately without better and more detailed photos, but 85% to 90% is possible. I would value the gun at $250 to $300.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Sorry, I meant to post the serial number, 2169xx. And I agree it does appear to have a forged front sight. I'll get to see it later this week and get some better pics. Thanks for the response!

Fairly late production and the gun would be classified as a modern firearm by the BATF, so you would have to follow all state & federal laws when transferring ownership. Actually, the earlier antique 32 Safeties have a slightly higher value, due to the fact that they can be bought and sold without an ffl in almost all states.

Shipping dates are pretty soft in this serial number range, since the factory did not ship in serial number order. Add to that the fact that hand ejectors were very popular by the early part of the twentieth century. You will find that top-break sales were slow by this time. Your revolver should have left the factory in the late teens.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

From what I can see you have it identified correctly, and in the condition I can see it looks to be an "average"condition. Value would probably be in the $200- $250 range. Nice little guns, ammo still available, and if everything working o.k. would make a fun plinker.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

It was a popular personal defense revolver around the early 20th century, but the .32 S&W cartridge it fires is somewhat of an anemic weakling. Few today would consider it adequate for the personal defense role. But it's better than throwing rocks if that's all you have available. The corresponding SH in .38 S&W is somewhat better suited for personal defense.