Info Request on .32 Long Revolver

Mobilman44 · #1 08-13-2011, 11:27 AM

Hi,
I'm new to the Forum, but a long time S&W owner & shooter.
I inherited a "mystery" revolver that is apparently pre WWII. It is a 5 shot blue revolver, with push out cylinder, 4 1/4 inch barrel. It is a 4xxx serial number and the number 104 appears on the bottom of the butt. Neither I or the local gun store can find it (for certain) in the Gun Values handbook.

Any info you may have would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Mobilman44

Muley Gil · #2 08-13-2011, 12:46 PM

Welcome to the Forum.

If it is a five shot, it probably ISN'T a S&W. Many old guns were stamped "for Smith & Wesson cartridges" or some such, to imply that that the buyer was getting a real S&W.

Pictures would be helpful.

Mobilman44 · #3 08-13-2011, 01:20 PM

My mistake (all my other S&Ws are 5 shot), the piece is a 6 shot, and it does have the S&W trademark between the grip and trigger housing.

highpower3006 · #4 08-13-2011, 01:24 PM

A picture would greatly aid in identifying it.

Muley Gil · #5 08-13-2011, 01:40 PM

"the piece is a 6 shot"

In that case, it sounds like a .32 Hand Ejector 1st Model Double Action, also known as a Model 1896.

Mobilman44 · #6 08-13-2011, 02:11 PM

Hi,
I am new at this, and unable to post a pic. My follow up question is, what is the "104" represent on the butt end?

Thank you,
Mobilman44

DCWilson · #7 08-13-2011, 02:15 PM

The 4xxx serial number you mentioned -- where is that found on the gun?

Usually the serial number is stamped on the butt, where you report the 104. Is the four digit number stamped on the frame where you can see it only if you swing out the cylinder? If so, it is a process control number that has no meaning once the gun is complete and ready for shipment. In that case the serial number for this gun is 104 -- very early.

Look at the rear surface of the cylinder and the flat underside of the barrel. What numbers to you see there? You may have to squint; they are pretty small. Numbers in these locations should be the same as the serial number.

If you can read any patent dates on the barrel, what is the latest one?

Muley Gil · #8 08-13-2011, 02:30 PM

If you can send me a few pictures, I'll post them.

My e-mail is [email protected]

Mobilman44 · #9 08-13-2011, 04:20 PM

The 4841 is stamped on the frame immediately below the barrel and visible only when the cylinder is swung out.

The same number is also visible on the connecting piece between the frame and cylinder - visible when swung out.

The 104 is very clear and on the bottom of the butt, which is enclosed by the white plastic (I assume) grips.

I will send a pic or two to the gentlemen that offered to post them.

Thank you,
Mobilman44

Muley Gil · #10 08-13-2011, 07:51 PM

Here are the pics:

BTW, these are copies of the extended S&W small frame target grips that were available pre WW II.

DCWilson · #11 08-13-2011, 08:13 PM

.32 Hand Ejector, Model of 1903. Very early production, almost certainly 1903. The serial number system was reset for the small-frame guns when the second model was introduced. This gun does not have the trigger rebound slide mechanism that was introduced about three years later; you can tell because there is no rebound slide pin visible on the left side of the frame near the top of the grip. Also, note the pinned front sight; that is typical of early Model of 1903 production. Later the front sight was monolithic with the barrel.

That looks to be a very nice specimen. It should be possible to find better fitting original grips for that gun if you are interested.