This is a S&W .32 that belonged to my grandfather, then my Dad. When he past a couple years ago, it became mine. In 2007 I had written to S&W's historian Roy Jinks to see if he could find some info on this gun. He sent back a very nice letter which says it was shipped from their factory in Sept of 1900 and sent to Baldwins hardware store in New Orleans where my Grandfather bought it. I put the gun, letter, box and cleaning rod in a shadow box and presented it to my Dad. He was so excited and I was just as happy I could have done that for him.

I remember as a kid being shown the gun, but I never fired it and still haven't. I also remember a story my Dad told me that my grandfather used to carry it to and from work in New Orleans.... someone tried to rob him and he shot at the guy but missed. Of course no police report was filed. According to the story this happened in the early 20's. I don’t know how accurate the story actually is, but as a kid hearing that story and looking at the gun, my eyes looked like a deer’s in the headlights I'm sure!

Anyway here it is:

Very nice display case. Great way to show her off.

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George Jamison

Cool story, neat that the letter shows it was sent to where your Grandfather purchased it. Nice display for a family heirloom, Larry

The box stamping about not being guaranteed if used with smokeless powder is very interesting, and I don't remember seeing a box so-stamped before. For awhile, S&W did not buy into the benefits of smokeless powder, probably because it was new technology at the time, and incompletely understood. But in fact, smokeless powder was in fairly widespread use in many calibers by the time yours was shipped. The 1896 UMC catalog shows that virtually all of the old-time black powder revolver cartridges were also available in smokeless powder loadings. Later on, S&W declared smokeless powder was really OK. They just took a little convincing.

Welcome to the Forum, and thanks for sharing the story of that gun and the family connection that makes it extra special.

Jerry

I saw one for sale ebay about 6 months ago with that stamping. I thought at the time it was for an early Model 1903, but maybe it was used to ship the Model 1896?

Nice display and I bet there are not many out there that have the original box. Is there any serial number written on the bottom of the box?

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Thanks everyone!

Gary, I don't think there are any numbers on the bottom but there is a label on one end of the box. Let me take a look. If it has any other info, I'll post a picture of it.

I have a box like that. Box end label reads 32 new departure.

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George Jamison