I'm an utter noob in this arena but this is recently inherited from my grandfather. 3 inch barrel; fixed sight; strain screw present; appears to be 3 screw design; SN:106XXX ANy info as to exact model and value or suggestions to determine these very much appreciated

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It looks like a .32 safety hammerless. The serial number range for that model runs 91418 to 170000 and from 1902 to 1909. The standard catalog of Smth and Wesson values them at $135 in good condition to $300 in excellent condition. The book is kind of out dated now and probably under valued. I'd guess in the condition it's it you should be able to sell it for $300 pretty easily.
The problem with those models is the rarity of the ammo and under powered ammo. Realistically there isn't a huge demand for the 100 year old small S&W's so the prices are kind of soft. If I saw that one for sale at $200 I'd probably buy it.

The factory mother of pearl grips are probably worth about as much as has been estimated for the gun.

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Tom
1560

Thanks for the quick responses! Much appreciated..

That appears to be in wonderful condition. Especially with those stocks. I feel that would be very difficult to replace for under $500, assuming you may want to insure it.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

The statement about the stocks is probably correct. I don't know how I forgot to mention that myself.

My next question involves ammunition. Locally I have easily available .32 auto and .32 S&W rated options. Does a handgun of this vintage require any special consideration? Thanks in advance..

Do NOT! shoot 32 Auto in it!! Way too much pressure.......

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Thanks for that essential bit of info..

A few observations. You have an original unmolested 32 Safety Hammerless, Second Model and that serial number would have shipped around 1902. That would make it a "modern" firearm as defined by the BATF. The medallion pearl stocks were offered starting around 1893 and often will sell for $200 by themselves. You can buy near perfect nickel 32 Safeties for just over $300, but blued examples seem to command slightly higher prices if mint. A couple percentage points lower will degrade the value quickly, so I would guess something under $300 for the gun if it had standard hard rubber stocks.

There are a couple ways to know if those stocks are original to that revolver. They would have left the factory with the serial number either scratched on or penciled on the inside of the right stock. Pencil often can be rubbed away. If no numbers are on the stocks, the only other way is to obtain a factory letter. It will tell you what configuration the gun left the factory.

32 S&W top-breaks have probably fired everything and anything available out there over the last 100 years or more. My grandfather shot mostly 32 ACP, since it was more available than 32 S&W and he said it hit harder! 32 ACP is about 30% higher pressure than 32 S&W. Would I shoot 32 ACP in my S&Ws, absolutely not. It is always best to shoot ammunition that is listed on the barrel and not substitute anything else. Will it blow up, unlikely, but would it wear or break - I don't want to find out.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

I can't add anything to what others have said except welcome to the forum. Sorry for the circumstances that lead to you receiving this what most would consider a nice Safety Hammerless. Oh and never sell it it is priceless as it belonged to your grandfather.

It's a beautiful little revolver. If it were mine and had been my grandfather's it would stay in the family and I'd shoot it, but it's yours to do with as you wish.

Welcome to the forum. I hope you'll stick around.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Indeed a beautiful example. I have a saved search on GB and have looked at every single safety hammerless for over 2 years. If your gun is as nice on the other side it is easily worth $600 plus. If it was GB for $395 buy it now, it would be sold in an hour. I can say that because I would snatch it up in a heartbeat. Also, 32 s&w short is easily found at ammo to go. Not cheap but very available.

I regularly find 32 S&W ammo at gun shows for $28-35. That is a really nice pistol you have there. I would agree that in the right market that would bring north of $500...I have a couple old 32 top breaks and I shoot them.....

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

A not particularly rare gun in rare condition makes it fairly valuable.

Factory .32 S & W (not Long, as it is too long to chamber) is perfectly safe to fire. It is only produced intermittently but is currently available, so stocking up may be a good idea. Here is just one source for it:

.32 S&W Ammo | .32 Pistol Ammo | .32 S&W Ammunition

Enjoy and treasure your grandfather's gun!

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220