I inherited a S&W top break 32 revolver from my dad. It is nickel plated with ivory grips which have his initials engraved on one side. However, his father had the same initials so I have no idea if it is from around 1940 or 1900. Under the break release at the top is the number 9651, and on the butt and cylinder are the number 196511, which may be assembly numbers. I have attached a photo. Any information about its probable age and estimated value will be appreciated.

Attached Images

32 S&W.JPG (69.8 KB, 76 views)

Welcome! This is a .32 Safety Hammerless, and based on the 196511 (the true serial number) it likely dates to sometime in the 1920s. Someone here may get you closer to a specific year. The stocks are mother of pearl.

From the photo, I can't tell if there is finish loss or corrosion on the cylinder, or just a bad reflection. If the nickel is damaged (not unusual in this era, with black powder cartridges and corrosive primers) it is perhaps a $200-250 gun if the bore and chambers are not heavily pitted. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Welcome to the forum.

Of course those are prices for any similar gun. Yours came down through your family and many of us here consider that priceless. Once you sell that gun you or your children can never get it back.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Oh, and the grips are mother of pearl (a type of shell), not ivory.

Thank you for your responses. There is no corrosion on the firearm and the bore and chambers show no visible pitting. I think it was fired infrequently. My son is a collector so we will not be selling it.