Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961
o

Notices

S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 06-24-2017, 05:54 AM
StargateSG77's Avatar
StargateSG77 StargateSG77 is offline
Member
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: near Paris (France)
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times in 3 Posts
Default Please History of my SW .32 Revolver

Hi,
I am the new owner of a S&W .32 revolver and I would like to know its history.
Here are the caracteristics I know :
Model : .32 hand ejector or Regulation police ?
caliber : .32 SW long
S/N : 519011
5 screws
6" barrel
Adjustable rear sight
Number on Yoke : 3660 5
Number under barrel : B 519011
Logo S&W left side of the gun
Grip with Silver (Chrome) medaillion
Made In USA writen right side of the gun

I only have few questions :
Could anyone confirm :
Real name of this model, date of manufacture, approximative value ?
Thanks a lot
Best Regards from France (sorry for my poor american language)
Attached Images
File Type: jpg P1050814.jpg (35.9 KB, 128 views)
File Type: jpg P1050795.jpg (32.6 KB, 137 views)
File Type: jpg P1050798.jpg (52.5 KB, 102 views)
File Type: jpg P1050782.jpg (33.4 KB, 102 views)
File Type: jpg P1050794.jpg (30.6 KB, 89 views)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 06-24-2017, 06:13 AM
murphydog's Avatar
murphydog murphydog is offline
Moderator
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 26,784
Likes: 938
Liked 18,878 Times in 9,241 Posts
Default

Bienvenu! You have a .32 Regulation Police Target from the 1930 decade. The wood stocks are proper for the gun and age and you might see the serial number stamped on the inside or written in pencil.

Member DCWilson (among others) is the local expert on these; he has estimated no more than about 1500 of these were made between 1917 and '42. It appears very nice and I would not be surprised to see it bring $2000 + over here, more if you have the original box and contents.

If you are able to request one, a letter of authenticity would be interesting and may tell you how it wound up in France:

Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation - Letter Process - Insuring that the rich history of Smith & Wesson will continue for generations to come

Hope this is helpful.
__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 06-24-2017, 07:04 AM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
SWCA Member

Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: California
Posts: 19,208
Likes: 11,815
Liked 20,511 Times in 8,548 Posts
Default

Bonjour, bienvenu aussi. Comment allez-vous?

You have un belle revolver; in stunning original condition.

If the grip frame under the extended wood target stocks looks like this:



Then as murphydog posted above, it's officially a ".32 Regulation Police Target Model" built on S&W's 'I' size frame. I also agree with him on the value.

If you do not see a notch in the back strap as shown, it would be considered a ".32 Hand Ejector Model".

From the serial # 519011 it was sold and shipped most likely in 1936, however could be earlier or later because they were not shipped in order of the serial #s. The B preceding the serial # in some locations indicates that it was originally built as a blued gun.

You will find the serial # stamped clearly on the back side of the right side stock, and 5 other locations on the gun. Also3 locations on the front and rear sights, but all hidden unless removed.

32 HISTORY

The .32 Hand Ejector and its cartridge, the 32 S&W Long are both historical. The .32 HE is the first side swing out cylinder produced by S&W, built on the first I size frame, and introduced as the 1896 Model (1st Model) along with its new cartridge.

It went thru several evolutionary changes until it became the 32 HE 3rd model in 1917 when a sq butt version was introduced as the 32 Regulation Police beginning at ~ #258000 in the same serial range as the 32 HE. The more common barrel length is the 4 1/4".

Target models were available with 6" barrels as well as very rare 4 1/4" barrels, and with 2 screw extended target stocks.

The 3rd Model had a hammer safety block added around 1919 used thru WW II.

By 1920 the cyls received a heat treatment for additional strength as did all S&W revolvers.

Both were reintroduced after WW II in identical form except for the change to the much more fool proof post war sliding bar safety. They went thru more evolution in the 1950s, and in 1957 became the Model 30 w/round butt and the Model 31 w/square butt, and finally in 1961 were upgraded to the slightly longer J size frame with added -1 to the model #s.

Eventually both versions were combined as just the Model 31-1 in 1976, until discontinued in 1991. Various iterations were later introduced using the 32 H&R Mag and/or the 327 Fed Mag, both of which still use the 32 Long as well.

Any currently available 32 Long ammo in standard loadings is perfectly safe to shoot in your 32.

ENJOY!
__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

Last edited by Hondo44; 06-24-2017 at 07:11 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 06-24-2017, 07:29 AM
JSR III's Avatar
JSR III JSR III is offline
SWCA Member
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Massachusetts USA
Posts: 9,575
Likes: 3,695
Liked 8,924 Times in 3,545 Posts
Default

Welcome to the forum.

These guns are similar in appearance and accoutrements to my favorite, the .22/32 HFT. They were built within the same serial number blocks and I show .22's in the 517,XXX and 525,XXX groups so number blocks in between were most likely set aside for the .32 caliber version. Both guns were built on the I frame and in the early 30's as others have stated came with the smaller extractor knob, silver medallion extended target stocks, small S&W logo on the left side and Patridge front sights with a matching square notch rear sight.

Not sure about the .32's but the .22's in this serial number range have ship dates ranging from 1930 to 1936. Only a letter will give you the exact date and destination. It could be interesting to find out where your gun shipped and as murphydog stated may lend a clue as to how it ended up in France.

Do you have any photos of the side and top barrel markings? I would also be interested to see if it has the last patent date of 09 or 14. Many of the .22/32's built and/or shipped around this period have either date so obviously some of the frames are older stock.

Very neat gun and in really good condition.
__________________
James Redfield
LM #497
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 06-24-2017, 08:07 AM
Green Frog Green Frog is online now
Member
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Central VA
Posts: 8,596
Likes: 1,551
Liked 9,320 Times in 4,181 Posts
Default

Welcome to the S&W Forum, StargateSG77. I too would be very interested to find how your rare and desirable target model I-frame made it to the neighborhood of Paris... I'm guessing some well-to-do French businessman or perhaps some American expat could have ordered it new, and since the 32 S&W Long cartridge retained its popularity on the Continent much longer than here, the caliber makes sense. If you get a "letter" and it shows the gun originally went to France when new, it would at least help solve part of its mysterious history.

My e-friend Hondo44 has given you the info needed to thoroughly identify the exact Model, but based on the date and grip configuration, I would be willing to bet a euro or two that it is a Regulation Police Target. This is the most likely (although still rare) model for it to be. This, along with the same gun in 22 LR (called the "Heavy Frame Target") were the highest development for the I-frame, and they are highly desirable among S&W enthusiasts. I don't know how inter-library loans work in France, but it might be worth your while to see if you can track down a copy of "The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th edition," since there is a good write-up about the I-frames in that.

Regards,
The Green Frog

PS. As for your "poor american language," your post was better written than some I've seen from folks who live near Paris, Georgia or Paris, Texas... would that my French were anywhere nearly as proficient!
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 06-24-2017, 10:27 AM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is online now
Member
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,481
Likes: 236
Liked 28,945 Times in 14,014 Posts
Default

We are guessing here about the shipping date, but the factory letter will provide an exact shipping date. I have on my list many other nearby I-frame SNs which suggest yours is likely to have shipped in 1930-31. One other small detail not mentioned that the "B" prefix to the serial number which is stamped on the bottom of the barrel simply means that it was shipped with a blued finish.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 06-24-2017, 11:16 AM
Wiregrassguy's Avatar
Wiregrassguy Wiregrassguy is online now
SWCA Member
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: AL Wiregrass
Posts: 7,201
Likes: 34,561
Liked 10,739 Times in 3,659 Posts
Default

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! I can see the serial number on the front strap of the butt. That indicates for me that it is a regulation police Target.

Guy
__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 06-24-2017, 11:51 AM
H Richard's Avatar
H Richard H Richard is offline
US Veteran
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: West Central IL
Posts: 22,758
Likes: 18,437
Liked 22,313 Times in 8,245 Posts
Default

Welcome from another .32 fan. You have acquired my "grail" gun, and in an outstanding condition. The previous members postings have identified it as well as can be, but I would encourage you to obtain a Historical letter which will give you the exact dates of it's origination.
__________________
H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 06-24-2017, 12:05 PM
LEO918's Avatar
LEO918 LEO918 is online now
SWCA Member
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Death Valley, AZ
Posts: 2,804
Likes: 13,885
Liked 8,963 Times in 1,396 Posts
Default

Welcome to the Smith & Wesson Forum from Arizona. Great start!
__________________
Living a dream - S&WCA #2364
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 06-24-2017, 02:08 PM
DCWilson's Avatar
DCWilson DCWilson is offline
SWCA Member
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 13,993
Likes: 4,998
Liked 7,681 Times in 2,618 Posts
Default

Very nice revolver! And welcome to the Forum. It is always a pleasure to see new members from outside North America.
__________________
David Wilson
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 06-24-2017, 02:53 PM
StargateSG77's Avatar
StargateSG77 StargateSG77 is offline
Member
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: near Paris (France)
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times in 3 Posts
Default I am very lucky and happy with this .32 police target

Hi everybody !
Thank you very much for all your answers.
I think I am very lucky to be the new owner of this wonderful gun.
I send with this message 5 new photos of this .32 revolver.
For information, I acquire this revolver from one of my best friend.
His father was the previous owner of this gun and he died 4 months ago. His wife didn't know what to do with.
So she decided to give me the revolver...for free because I am a competitive shooter with all the autorizations to keep a gun at home.
According to her, her husband said that this gun has come from CHILE to France in his case by plane, when he was a teacher in Chile !
I have just used the gun at the range today. I confirm, it is a great gun with nice accuracy.
To HONDO44, I do confirm there is the notch in the back strap, so I can consider it is a .32 Regulation Police Target model.
Now, I think I'm going to follow your recomandation and request a historical letter from Smith & Wesson.
Thanks again a lot for your answers and do not hesitate to contact me if you decide to go to France, I will show you this gun and you could try it at the range.
Best Regards from France
Alain
Attached Images
File Type: jpg P1050904.jpg (34.8 KB, 5 views)
File Type: jpg P1050903.jpg (36.9 KB, 4 views)
File Type: jpg P1050918.jpg (73.3 KB, 4 views)
File Type: jpg P1050805.jpg (56.9 KB, 3 views)
File Type: jpg P1050913.jpg (31.2 KB, 3 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #12  
Old 06-25-2017, 04:20 AM
StargateSG77's Avatar
StargateSG77 StargateSG77 is offline
Member
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: near Paris (France)
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Liked 15 Times in 3 Posts
Default Thank you

Hi,
Thank you very much for all your answer.
I think I am a lucky guy.
The mother of my best friend gave me this revolver for FREE because the initial owner was her husband and he died 4 months ago at the age of more than 90 years old.
Here are some more photos of this beautiful gun.

Best Regards from France
Alain
Attached Images
File Type: jpg P1050918.jpg (73.3 KB, 36 views)
File Type: jpg P1050904.jpg (34.8 KB, 35 views)
File Type: jpg P1050913.jpg (31.2 KB, 29 views)
File Type: jpg P1050903.jpg (36.9 KB, 30 views)
File Type: jpg P1050919.jpg (58.9 KB, 43 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 4 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 06-25-2017, 05:26 AM
jebstuart's Avatar
jebstuart jebstuart is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Foothills (Phoenix), AZ
Posts: 624
Likes: 256
Liked 1,229 Times in 338 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Green Frog View Post
PS. As for your "poor american language," your post was better written than some I've seen from folks who live near Paris, Georgia or Paris, Texas... would that my French were anywhere nearly as proficient!
... would that the charming allure of a far off visitor entice one to degrade his own fellow countrymen? Pray not.
__________________
Jeb
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 06-26-2017, 08:43 AM
raljr1 raljr1 is online now
SWCA Member
Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver Please History of my SW .32 Revolver  
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Northeast FL
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 7,411
Liked 15,075 Times in 3,596 Posts
Default

Very nice.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
__________________
Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
help revolver date and history Nice Guy S&W Revolvers: 1961 to 1980 10 09-17-2016 11:12 PM
History of my revolver Pew S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 21 09-15-2016 11:37 PM
Looking for history of old 38 revolver Bulldog1954 New Members Introduction 14 01-15-2016 03:42 PM
revolver history? blackflyguy S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 1 04-12-2010 06:17 PM
F/S "History of the Colt Revolver" bigolddave Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 1 03-23-2009 10:22 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:08 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)