1903 S&W .32 long Hand Ejector ???

[TheThinBlueLineFirearms]

Can anyone please help in identifying this revolver. Every time I think I nailed it, something is different about the description.
In a gun value book, the value is listed as rare because of the 2" barrel.
I believe it is a 1903 model. On the frame, under the yoke is 3 L
36716, the serial# is 541750. Bluing, lock-up and timing are as new.

[opoefc]

The serial number falls in the .32 Hand Ejector Pre Model 30 range. Putting the gun as made circa 1946-49 era. The 2 in. barrel was offered in 1949. If the gun has had the barrel changed by the factory, a rework date code will be stamped on the left grip frame, with month & yr. ( Example 6.47 = June 1947 ) and the barrel will have a small rectangular stamp, or "S" stamp, indicating replacement by the service dep't at the factory. I see no value premium because of the 2 in. barrel as that's a cataloged barrel length for that period of production, and if it's a replacement, any collector value is lost and it has only shooter value. Ed.

[Hondo44]

Welcome to the forum.

That's a real beauty and very desirable 32 with the greatest value if the barrel is original and the right stock serial # stamped on he back matches the gun #. The markings Ed requested above are important in this regard. From my database, serial #s near yours shipped in the 2nd half of 1950.

After WW II it's no longer referred to as a Model 1903 due to a few changes, namely the post war sliding bar hammer block safety which is an improvement of the pre war style which makes it officially a Model 32 Hand Ejector.

To more specifically identify this version, collectors label it as a: " Model 32 HE Post War Transitional I Frame" to acknowledge its pre war and post war parts/features. For example the stocks have a round top and the pre war checkering pattern with sharp cornered borders, but with post war nickel plated curved medallions. It has the pre war leaf mainspring that was soon changed to a coil spring to become the Improved I frame.

SERIAL # LOCATIONS: To confirm all parts are original, one can check for the 6 (or 7, on Triple Locks only) matching serial # locations for fixed sight pre war Hand Ejectors and all post war Hand Ejectors thru ~1956 (and a few as much as 3 years later).
NOTE: Observing serial #s for accuracy or even existence, especially on penciled stocks, requires magnification, bright light, and an attitude that it is there!

1. Gun butt – (or fore strap on I frames/single shots with grips that cover the butt)

2. Barrel - bottom of barrel or in extractor shroud

3. Yoke - on rear face only visible thru a chamber with a flashlight

4. Extractor star - backside

5. Cylinder - rear face

6. Right stock only - on back, (except most post war target stocks because individual fitting not required); stamped, scratched or penciled depending on vintage and stock material.

7. Triple Locks only: rear side of middle lock cam plate

ASSEMBLY (factory work) #s: These multi-digit numbers of 3 to 5 digits, are on the yoke at the hinge, in the ‘yoke cut’ on frame (accompanied with a stamped inspector letter) opposite the yoke above the hinge, and inside of the sideplate, for the pre war and early post war period. Once the gun is shipped, the only use for the assembly #s is to confirm the three parts it's stamped on are original. They will have various inspector letters stamped with them.

In 1957 the assembly # in the yoke cut of the frame was relocated to the left side of grip frame after model #s were assigned and the serial # was eventually added in the ‘yoke cut’ where the assembly #, now moved to the left side of the grip frame, used to be. You know they are assembly (factory work) #s because of those 3 locations that always match on guns that are original, and that’s the only usefulness for them after guns leave the factory; still used to this day, long after serial number locations decreased.

Much more detailed information can be found here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/blog.php?b=103

[H Richard]

I have a 2" # 58978x which shipped July 1952. I'd guess yours at late 51 or early 52 based on that date.

[OFT II]

I can't make out the one line or four line Made in U.S.A. stamping. Could it be missing?

[Hondo44]

It's a 4 line. I had to zoom in to just barely see it.

[TheThinBlueLineFirearms]

Thanks very much for your help. The left grip has nothing on it. The barrel has the same serial number as on the butt.

[TheThinBlueLineFirearms]

Thanks very much! All identifiers you listed were present and matching. This appears to be original from the factory. Now my only question is how much would it be worth??

[TheThinBlueLineFirearms]

Thanks for the reply.