Help me identify this gun I inherited please

khouske · #1 01-16-2016, 12:18 PM

This Smith & Wesson has been sitting in a lock box for about 10 years since my father in law passed. What model is it? Can anyone help?

Thank you

jmace57 · #2 01-16-2016, 12:37 PM

Welcome to the forum!

I think this needs to go into the "earlier" Antiques forum, as I think this is well before 1896. I think this model is called a "1 1/2 Second model" - probably made in the late 1860s to mid 1870s (yours is fairly late in the serial numbers). The caliber is .32 Long rimfire (obsolete). I don't know if the is available anywhere.

glowe · #3 01-16-2016, 01:10 PM

The Model 1 1/2, Second Issue was made from, 1868 to 1875. Yours is a late and well worn example probably shipped from the factory 1874-1875. The major problems with these revolvers is that the top hinge would often become very loose and some solutions were to drill the screw hole out and insert a rivet, which only worked for awhile. That is what was done for your gun. It diminishes the value since the gun can not be returned to original configuration again. Ammunition has not been available since the 1990s, unless you find a box at an online auction somewhere.

khouske · #4 01-16-2016, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmace57

Welcome to the forum!

I think this needs to go into the "earlier" Antiques forum, as I think this is well before 1896. I think this model is called a "1 1/2 Second model" - probably made in the late 1860s to mid 1870s (yours is fairly late in the serial numbers). The caliber is .32 Long rimfire (obsolete). I don't know if the is available anywhere.

Thanks for your response... I assumed the Pat Dates on the barrel were 1900. Never thought they were 1800...

khouske · #5 01-16-2016, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

The Model 1 1/2, Second Issue was made from, 1868 to 1875. Yours is a late and well worn example probably shipped from the factory 1874-1875. The major problems with these revolvers is that the top hinge would often become very loose and some solutions were to drill the screw hole out and insert a rivet, which only worked for awhile. That is what was done for your gun. It diminishes the value since the gun can not be returned to original configuration again. Ammunition has not been available since the 1990s, unless you find a box at an online auction somewhere.

Thank you Gary. As I said a moment ago - had no idea this gun was that old... Appreciate the information

Skeetr57 · #6 01-16-2016, 10:49 PM

Actually, the caliber is .32 short rimfire, although the .32 long rimfire can be chambered and fired. I can remember in the 1950's when stocks of .32 short and long rimfire as well as .25 Stevens rimfire could be found on gunstore and hardware store shelves. Although S&W quit making revolvers in .32 rimfire around 1875, Remington, Stevens and others continued to make rifles in that caliber probably into the 1920's or later. It was probably those rifles rather than revolvers that enabled Navy Arms to have .32 rimfire made in the late 1900's.

glowe · #7 01-17-2016, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skeetr57

Actually, the caliber is .32 short rimfire, although the .32 long rimfire can be chambered and fired . . .

I think there is an early S&W book that mis-stated that the Model 1 1/2 was chambered for 32 Short, but that can not be true. Our bible by Neal & Jinks states the ammunition was 32 Long. The Model 2 was the first 32 rimfire revolver sold by S&W, starting in 1861. The Model 1 1/2 followed later in 1865 and was chambered for the same cartridge as the No 2. The correct statement is that both can fire the 32 Short cartridge, but were designed with the same length cylinder, so 32 Long was always the intended cartridge for both.

lechat · #8 01-18-2016, 04:58 PM

the production of 32 rimfire is discontinued everywhere in the world now.

It's possible to find reloading tools, cases and components to do it oneself in France for 32 RF, 38 RF and 41 RF.

H&C Rimefire cartridges

It's very easy to do it and it's works fine.

They export to USA without problem.

glowe · #9 01-18-2016, 06:44 PM

Dixie Gunworks normally has 32 Short and 32 Long cases for loading rimfire cases, but right now I can only find short.

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/produc...vu5u2bbka43q32

lechat · #10 01-18-2016, 07:27 PM

it's the same cases, product in France and import by Dixie, but not sure that Dixie import the loading tools too now.

A large part of the product go to USA.

dogngun · #11 02-09-2016, 11:22 AM

The only production .32 rimfire ammo anywhere is very old and is sold as collectables, sometime by the individual round. The prices will make your eyes water...for looking at, not for shooting.