.32 SW dating and value

[Tbrooks]

I have an opportunity to purchase a .32 SW. The serial number is 234534. I have been unable to find any information on the pistol. . Any help is appreciated.

Tim

[murphydog]

Welcome! Go to the Search link at the upper right of the page, then type .32 Hand Ejector model 1903 in the Google Custom Search text box and prepare for several hours of information. Hope this is helpful.

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. Depends on what questions you need answered? They write books on S&W that will tell you everything there is to know about the 32 HE, but it would take up a lot of room on this Forum. Specifically addressing your gun, it is a 32 Hand Ejector, 2nd Model, shipped from the factory around 1916. This specific model was made from 1911 to 1942, with almost a quarter-million made. The 32 HE was introduced in 1896 and continued in production until the 1970s. Around one-million of all models and changes were made in total.

Forgot about value. The stocks are not factory, plus there is some pitting of the nickel plating. I would say you have a $200 gun there in the condition I see and without the original black hard rubber stocks.

[Panhandler80]

Originally Posted by glowe

Welcome to the Forum. Depends on what questions you need answered? They write books on S&W that will tell you everything there is to know about the 32 HE, but it would take up a lot of room on this Forum. Specifically addressing your gun, it is a 32 Hand Ejector, 2nd Model, shipped from the factory around 1916. This specific model was made from 1911 to 1942, with almost a quarter-million made. The 32 HE was introduced in 1896 and continued in production until the 1970s. Around one-million of all models and changes were made in total.

Forgot about value. The stocks are not factory, plus there is some pitting of the nickel plating. I would say you have a $200 gun there in the condition I see and without the original black hard rubber stocks.

I'm nobody's handgun nut by any stretch. My first thought was $180 to maybe 200. Looks like I've got decent gut.

[JSR III]

Welcome to the forum.

As others have already stated, with these older guns that were produced in the tens of thousands, condition is the key followed by accessories. If the gun is in 95% condition with the original box and paperwork and tools it is the holy grail of gun collecting and collectors will pay a premium.

For rusted or pitted examples with broken or replaced stocks and no box and tools, the opposite is true. As stated, you probably have a $150 to $200 shooter grade gun and most younger folks today are not interested in shooting these 100 to 150 year old guns.

Us older folks already have several of these so no need for another.

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum.

You have a ".32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 - 5th Change produced from 1910 thru 1917. Yours is from 1917 since it has no S&W trademark Logo on the left side of the frame and if there's none on the sideplate.

Photo showing logo:

[JP@AK]

Hi
I think 1916 is a very good estimate as to when your revolver left the factory. The one pictured below has a serial number about 6500 lower than yours and it shipped in March, 1916.

It is all original and came with its original box, cleaning rod and paperwork. Paid $450 delivered, from an estate sale. Bargain of the century.

[glowe]

Originally Posted by JP@AK

Hi
I think 1916 is a very good estimate as to when your revolver left the factory. The one pictured below has a serial number about 6500 lower than yours and it shipped in March, 1916.

This was the transition year with regards to the S&W logo. My notes say that up to 1916, a large S&W logo was placed on the right side of the frame. That is also the year that the company stopped putting logos on the frame. Sometime in 1919, a small logo was placed on the left side of the frame. As I noted before, the SWCA database indicates 1916 ship date and the I framed Model 1903s were selling pretty much in serial number order prior to the 1920s. I believe they were quite popular during that era.

I would be curious to know if your revolver has a logo stamped on the sideplate? Jack's has the logo, but was made earlier than yours, so just curious.

[jessebogan]

Hey!! I am an old -ish guy, and I am lacking in old Hand Ejectors...Where is the line anyway? Seriously, I would love to have one like that just to shoot on occasion. I like showing up at the range with old stuff, keeps the youngins guessing.

[Hondo44]

Some draw the line at pre WW II models, and some at pre model # guns thru 1957.