I just became the owner of a S&W .32 top load revolver. I am more of an modern firearm guy. I got it as a fun gun for my wife, but the more I dig around this seems to be old and don't want to foul up a good antique. As the title it is a .32 double action top loader all nickel serial number 25XX. Thanks for any help.

Welcome! If it is a double action (exposed hammer) Smith & Wesson it was likely from 1880, an early example. Many other makers would stamp their guns with the chambering but this may have been an attempt to deceive the consumer .

If it is mechanically sound, it is probably safe with modern .32 S & W (also called the Short), but a trip to a gunsmith would be in order if you are not sure. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Thank you, It is in great condition, wow didn't think I really had one that old. It has the hammer and doesn't have the chamber on it, it has a date of dec, 17 1877 on the top do you know what that means?

Those are Patent dates.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Welcome to the Forum. 32 Double Action, 1st Models did have a Dec. 18, 1877 patent date. The 2nd Model was not supposed to have a 1877 date stamped on the barrel rib, but your serial number is early enough to have used a leftover 1st Model barrel.

The image below is that of my grandfather's 32 DA, 2nd Model. Does yours look like that one? Look closely at the cylinder and trigger. If they are the same, you have a 2nd Model S&W.

The 2nd Model was manufactured from 1880 to 1882, with around 22,000 manufactured. Overall, there were 5 models of 32 DAs from 1880 to 1919, with over 327,000 made.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Yes that is what it looks like, except it is all nickel.

What would be the price of one of these on the market? Being a low serial help any? Will post a pic later tonight.

Condition is everything and without detailed images to review one cannot accurately appraise the 32 DA. Having said that, 2nd Models are hard to come by and I am watching one at auction, in very good condition, that is currently bid to $300. If in pristine condition, you could expect $700, but if it rates very good, the value quickly drops to $250

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Finally got pics taken. Had to go out of town.

S&W .32 DA - Album on Imgur

That is a shinny one. It has been nickeled at some time after leaving the factory. The hammer, trigger and trigger guard should be case hardened, but it is what it is. Collectors like original finish and configuration, so the value will be diminished. You are probably looking as a number under $300.

One key in looking for a refinish is to look at the edges, especially around the sideplate. When any S&W leaves the factory every edge is sharp and crisp. Stampings will often have a slight raised metal around the letters/numbers. The sideplate will fit so well that the seam will be almost invisible. WHen a gun is buffed for a refinish, the majority will show some softening of the edges and blurring of the stampings. Hope that helps.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

The thing everyone has missed is the stocks are the seldom seen floral pattern.

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Don Mundell

Don, have you ever seen a set of black floral stocks?? I am venturing a guess that those might be replica stocks, since Vintage Gun Grips are selling them (picture below). It seems that every set out there is mottled red.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

I have a .32 DA, 5th model which I have had 35 years or more. It has black floral stocks and came with a purse holster at the time. From the thread, I thought I would take the grips off and see them numbered to the gun and have easy proof of original black floral grips. But they are not numbered and have a bit of a strange screw, more like a hardware screw than what is typically on antique S&W. So maybe there is something to learn here, not sure, but I am going to post a couple of pictures.

cb

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Thanks for posting those pictures. They certainly look authentic, and if so the first set of black florals that I have seen. I doubt that there were any reproductions available 50 years ago, but who knows for sure. What is a little unusual are the flat backs, since most S&W stocks have that slight hollow the remains after the stocks are sanded for fitting.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Im new to old floral grips, they look nice. But that grip screws does not register with me. I have never seen S&W use a full threaded screw like that on grips. I have come across 5-44 and 3-48 grip screws. Not doubting your claim. Best Mike

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Mike 2796
SoFo Bunch member

A stock screw is easily lost and that one is a modern round top replacement screw. I have a few of those full thread screws in my parts box. They can be bought with the proper TPI, but are always full thread.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Yes, the reason for my post was there are a few things a bit off with those grips. The screw as we all noticed and that it may be a replacement is logical. All I am saying on that is that it is the same screw circa 1970. Also the inside surface is very flat overall and almost looks to have a grain to it. It is probably the result of sanding, but it doesn't simply look that way. Most of the other hard rubber grips have some shrinkage in the interior but not these. The metal escutcheons are sort of just applied at the surface and the hole around the screw seems a little generous as does the bottom hole for the index pin. These don't fit sloppy really, but not the tight fit I see on all the other guns I have. Given their age, I would expect them to be original or at least period, but I was not aware that the black floral grip might be particularly rare and seeing the above characteristics and no numbers, I wanted to post the photos to get comments for whatever it is worth.

Maybe the OP could compare the grips on his gun for these features just for info. Also, anyone who has red mottled floral grips could also compare.

cb

I do have a pair. I'll post a picture tomorrow.

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Don Mundell

Welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately, as others have stated, your gun has been refinished and not by the factory. Collector value is gone so as a shooter it is only worth a couple of hundred.

As to the other stocks. I am by no means an expert, but I have never seen a set of S&W hard rubber stocks that were flat like their wood counterparts. Most of the ones that I have removed and observed had somewhat of a dished appearance to the rear.

Hopefully, some of our more savvy members will post photos and we can all learn a little.

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James Redfield
LM #497