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01-03-2019, 06:37 PM
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Identify my .32 long ctg revolver
Last edited by Meatyfeet; 01-03-2019 at 06:54 PM.
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22/32 JDF, cndrdk, Hondo44, klind45, M E Morrison, Marlin57M, Muley Gil, two-bit cowboy, Waveski, Wiregrassguy, zipty6 |
01-03-2019, 07:34 PM
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It looks to be a late 1940's/early 1950's premodel 30.
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01-03-2019, 08:38 PM
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Welcome to the forum!
You have a little dandy of an heirloom. It's officially a ".32 Hand Ejector", further classified by collectors as a post war Improved I frame with the new coil mainspring, of the 1st variety since it still has the pre war style 1/2 round sight. From the serial # I know it's from the last half of 1952. Value is about $500 due to its excellent condition and very high level of original blueing. More if you have the box.
Any currently available .32 Long ammo in standard loadings is perfectly safe to shoot in your 32. You’ll be happy with its accuracy and light recoil.
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Jim
S&WCA #819
Last edited by Hondo44; 01-03-2019 at 09:29 PM.
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01-03-2019, 08:55 PM
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Although Hondo44 identified the variant from the serial number, I have to look for the coil spring to know for sure. If I don't want to take the grips off to look, I just look at the front strap of the grip frame, near the bottom to check for the presence (in a leaf spring action) or absence (in a coil spring action) to determine old style or Improved I-frame. Both have experienced a real increase in interest (and price) in the last few years. What's really important is that they are lots of fun!
Froggie
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01-03-2019, 10:32 PM
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Picture #5 clearly shows the front strap and there is no strain screw - hence, it has a coil spring. Jim's identification is totally accurate.
Other observations: Jim mentioned the front sight. Very nice! The stocks are clearly early postwar I frame. The thumbpiece is also early (before the flat latch came along).
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You have a little dandy of an heirloom.
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I could not agree more completely!!! 
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Jack
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01-04-2019, 09:45 AM
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Welcome aboard from Wyoming.
Gorgeous.
You have what I consider the epitome of the .32 HE.
Enjoy it, and thanks for sharing it with us.
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Bob
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01-04-2019, 10:03 AM
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[QUOTE=Hondo44;140287012]"Welcome to the forum!
You have a little dandy of an heirloom."
Yes - Dandy with a capital D! First class heirloom/revolver combination.
Welcome , and enjoy the warm glow of envy emanating from me and , I am sure , others here.
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01-04-2019, 11:58 AM
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The SN would date it from the 1953-54 period. I don't have a SN listed which is close enough to yours to be more exact. It was cataloged simply as the ".32 Hand Ejector" at that time. There was also a very similar snubby in .38 S&W called the "Terrier" which is also desirable. You need to find one of those to complete the set. It looks as though you have an incorrectly positioned sideplate screw. The head of the one behind the trigger shouldn't be flat but domed.
Last edited by DWalt; 01-04-2019 at 12:38 PM.
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01-04-2019, 05:08 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JP@AK
Picture #5 clearly shows the front strap and there is no strain screw - hence, it has a coil spring. Jim's identification is totally accurate.
Other observations: Jim mentioned the front sight. Very nice! The stocks are clearly early postwar I frame. The thumbpiece is also early (before the flat latch came along).
I could not agree more completely!!! |
That’s odd... I only got four pix on my iPad  Anyway, that was why I posted, to remind folks how quick and easy it is to check that way rather than trying to remember serial numbers. . Regardless, I think we’re all agreed that he got a real treasure and should be able to keep using it in the family for another 40 years or more. 
Froggie
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01-04-2019, 05:15 PM
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Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass!
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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629
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01-05-2019, 12:37 PM
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Thanks guys! You’re all a wealth of knowledge. Is there a website or book out there that lists the serial number ranges for these?
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01-05-2019, 01:24 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Meatyfeet
Is there a website or book out there that lists the serial number ranges for these?
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No website, but the best book to have for this purpose is the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition. It is available on Amazon and can be had in an electronic version.
Unfortunately, the serial number list for the postwar .32 Hand Ejector is pretty broadly stated, in only two groups:
1946 - 1960 536685-712953
1961 - 1970 712954-826977
Not much help in narrowing down a particular serial number.
The two alternatives are 1) what you did by coming here, where experts like Hondo44 can help a lot; or 2) requesting (and paying for) a Letter of Authenticity from the S&W Historical Foundation.
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Jack
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