Anyone know how to find, or can anyone tell me, the approx. date of manufacture for my granddad's gun? It is a .32 S&W with a four inch barrel, six shot on a J (or I?) frame. Serial # 6475. Just 6475, no letters or anything else. Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! Did that serial number come from the butt frame of the gun? If it came from inside the Yoke area with the cylinder open that's not the serial number. Also, do you open the cylinder by pulling forward on the ejector rod?

Guy

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Welcome. Does it look like these? Depending on if you gave us the serial number or assembly number as Guy ask, the 32 Long was stamped on the barrel of most I frames, but the company also made a 32-20, 32 S&W, plus other top-break 32 calibers. The 32 Long Model 1896 as shown below did not have any barrel side stamping. 32 S&W did not appear in any hand ejector gun and 32-20 was available in a K frame.

Attached Images

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Also, since the serial numbers repeat on different models referring to this will help you help us:

To IDENTIFY your Gun >

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks, y'all. To answer your questions: the serial number came from the butt. You cannot release the cylinder by pulling on the ejector since it has the locking lug under the barrel (unlike the photos). The words >32 LONG CTG< appear on the side of the barrel (drivers side). On the top is four lines of info (S&W, address, patent, etc.). There are NO markings in the area where "Marcas Registradas" would later appear. Hope this helps and thanks again!

OK - you have a 32 Hand Ejector, Model of 1903 (no change) that would have been manufactured in 1903 and probably shipped the same year. This was the start of a very long line of I frame revolvers and they remained popular in the 32 Long caliber into the 1960s. I believe production ended in the 1970s.. The first Model 1903 started tith serial number 1 to 19,425. It was manufactured in 1903 - 1904. The 1st Change had a few relatively minor changes made. By WWII, there were over 534,000 made.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Thanks, that is great information. I appreciate the input from all. You all are indeed a blessing!