I have what I think is a S&W first model hammerless top-break revolver, .32 S&W, blued finish, 3.5" barrel, pinned front sight, fixed rear sight, strain screw in front of grip, 2 screw left side plate, serial number 64XXX.
Can someone confirm the model number from the above information? Best estimate of ship date?
Background: One of my great-grandfathers was a railroad engineer, as was his brother. My grandfather, son of the engineer, had a first cousin who was very close in age, living nearby in the same Central New York city. As children of railroad engineers, the two youths had railroad passes. At or about the age of 16 each of the cousins told his parents he was going to stay at his cousin's house. After a couple of days the parents conferred and realized they did not know where the two cousins were. The railroad passes were canceled and the two cousins were "caught" in Denver. The cousins were told to come home, declined to do so and each found work as telegraphers. After a year, they went home, my grandfather bringing with him the above described revolver, which was in my father's possession for years, and now is in mine.
Hard to imagine in today's world that 16 year youths could take off on their own, much less come home to New York State with a handgun.
Remington shows a 32 S&W 88 grain load. Does anyone know if the modern load is suitable for my family heirloom? The revolver locks up tightly, no spitting of lead, and was shot in the past with some ammunition dating probably from late 1930s.
Thanks in advance for any information.