Help identify and age old Smith

[haulinbass300]

I'm trying to help out a friend identify a revolver that was his FIL that passed.

What I do know.
.32 long hand ejector
ser # 355932
round butt

What I think I know.
.32 hand ejector Third Model
prewar

What I would like to know.
Year Mfg.
Condition
Value

Thanks Allen

[bamabiker]

Welcome to the forum.
Let's push it to the top and see if one of the guys will give you a good answer.

[opoefc]

.32 Hand ejector, 3rd model. Close serial numbers shipped in mid-late 1922. Condition appears to be good, not a refinish. The wood stocks are uncommon, but correct for a 1920s era S&W and may be original to the gun, if they have the serial number on the back side of the right panel. These are common guns and do not carry a high value, but are fun to shoot. I would estimate value to be in the $275 -$325 range, if the gun is in good mechanical condition. Ed.

[JP@AK]

Originally Posted by opoefc

.32 Hand ejector, 3rd model. Close serial numbers shipped in mid-late 1922.

Ed
You'll get no argument from me on your answer. But I find it interesting that Made in U.S.A. is absent from the frame. The serial number is right on the cusp of when that first appeared.

And yes, the walnut stocks on a round butt in this period are great to see (instead of black hard rubber). Very cool! I would like to know if they turn out to be numbered correctly, but this is still in the pencil era, so they might be very difficult to see.

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum.

I agree completely with Ed above on all points including the value.

It may have shipped from the factory later as many #s I have with shipping dates in my database indicate.

But you asked for manufacturing date and it's features indicate definitely before 1923 when MADE IN U.S.A. was stamped on the right side frame. And after 1920 when the medallions were deleted from the wood stocks and the S&W trademark logo was again stamped on the left side frame like it has.

I would suggest your friend shoot and enjoy it. All modern standard factory cartridges in 32 S&W Long are safe to shoot in it. It looks like it's in nice original condition.

[DWalt]

"Close serial numbers shipped in mid-late 1922."

Based on other reasonably close SNs on my list, I'd agree with that, or possibly a bit later. I show one slightly higher, 3605xx, which shipped in 2/24. You cannot be highly accurate in establishing a shipping date based only on the SN, as S&W did not ship from inventory in serial number order.