Help Identify One More

FullCircle · #1 06-29-2017, 04:24 PM

A relative recently passed and left behind these 2 handguns. I'll list them seperately to avoid confusion. Please share your knowledge, thoughts and opinions as I don't really know anything about these old guys. I even had to google to learn how they operate. I have fired both guns, and I think they enjoyed it after being tucked away for decades. I'm interested in their age and value particularly. Chances are I will list them for sale here in the classified forum or an auction. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, new Texas member here.

murphydog · #2 06-29-2017, 04:49 PM

This one looks to be a later production .32 Double Action; others will be along with an age estimate. The star after the SN indicates a return to the factory (including but not always a refinish), so the gun could not be sold as new after its return. You may see a month/year code on the lower left grip frame under the stock panel with the date the work was done.

FullCircle · #3 06-29-2017, 07:26 PM

Thank you! "218" is stamped where you indicated. February 1918?

murphydog · #4 06-29-2017, 07:40 PM

Correct! The SWHF is in the process of digitally preserving old factory records but I think it is supposed to go no earlier than 1920.

glowe · #5 06-30-2017, 08:34 AM

Looks like you have a 32 Double Action, 4th Model that would have shipped from the factory around 1900-1901. There were over 300,000 32 DAs manufactured in a series of 5 models, so value is very low. To add to the diminished valuation, many of this model and the 32 Safety are in pristine condition, since they were not used, but rather kept in a drawer for self-defense. Another hit on value is the fact that it is a "modern" firearm, made after 1898, so will have to comply with BATF regulations and any in your state or the buyer's state when selling/buying. You are probably looking at a $150 - $200 gun.

Wiregrassguy · #6 06-30-2017, 08:35 AM

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Your .32 Double Action top break revolver is a 4th model which was manufactured from 1883-1909. Your gun would have shipped in the latter part of that period. So, it is not an antique. Your gun chambers .32 S&W (not .32 long) which is hard to find in my area but is available. They can be fun to shoot if you can take a grip on the tiny handle. If you decide to sell it, be realistic in your pricing. These guns are not rare and only command collector value if in original pristine finish and have the original box. You might get $100-200 depending on the market in your area.

<Ah, Gary posted while I was typing.>

glowe · #7 06-30-2017, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wiregrassguy

. . .<Ah, Gary posted while I was typing.>

. . . at least we were totally consistent and in agreement on every point!

Wiregrassguy · #8 06-30-2017, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glowe

. . . at least we were totally consistent and in agreement on every point!

Well, I hope so since you, Hondo44 and the rest of the guys have taught me everything I know...or think I know.