I'd like to evaluate a 32 HE 2 in. 5-screw, blue, in a red box with chased cylinder. Has anyone seen this before? SN: 596245. I've attached photos. The close up appears to reveal pitting, but it's just dust. I'd appreciate any information and opinions. I'm an long time inactive member of SWCA, and now retired, so maybe I'll become more active. Thanks.

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Welcome to the Forum. Have you lettered the gun to see what the factory says about the "Chased" marking, or do you know that it's an after market condition ? Is the box numbered to the gun ? Ed.

What be the purpose for chasing the cylinder?

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Thanks for the reply. I've attached the S&W letter and there is no ID number on the box. S&W also seemed to be stumped by the chased cylinder. Perhaps it's an eternal curiosity.

Attached Files

S&W Letters_Part11.pdf (882.9 KB, 81 views)

Also, the letter makes no mention of the red box. This is the only one I've seen. I presume the entire shipment to Harlan Ky were red boxes.

Welcome to the forum.

I have not seen a factory "chased" S&W cyl before. But that doesn't mean it isn't. In ~1952 when that 32 HE Improved I frame - 1st version was shipped, the factory was very accommodating and would grant most any customer request. Therefore I would letter that gun.

The "chasing" as seen or any similar special treatment was a technique to somewhat disguise the proverbial "cyl stop tracking" or line worn around the cyl between the locking notches by the cyl stop bolt that all revolver owners will recognize.

I have seen several aftermarket techniques for the same purpose, but not "chased" as shown. That may well be a factory method. But anyone could have written that on the box end label, of course.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

My assessment as well that the "chased cylinder" was likely performed by SW. It's difficult for me to imagine that a customer had the desire and expertise to do that; but who knows. This is why I've posted this to the SW Forum; ie, a puzzle now as well as a puzzle for SW about thirty years ago. I'm just sharing the curious feature and hoping some of you SW experts can reveal additional information. Thanks.

If the "chasing" was done to minimize the line from forming around the cylinder. Looks like it works to me!! But instead of a single line wearing around cylinder you have a dull slot around cylinder instead. So which is more unsightly? Never having seen the chasing I kinda like it as looks different but seems to create one problem by eliminating another?

Red Boxes were standard from after the war thru ~1955 for I and J frames only.

Although there was a transition period in the last year or two from that period where one could receive either a red or the new blue box.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

A little 32 like your gun turned up in a LGS late last year also in a Red Box. It was not chased, but the gun and box were perfectly matched in all regards. We dated the gun to around 1962. It didn't make sense. . .the gun was so late for that early box. I didn't buy the gun and regret it.

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Dr. B

Being a fan of 32's I like the gun but consider the chasing overboard to eliminate a turn line. Either way it is a wonderful piece of history.

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Front sight and squeeze

Since you have a letter...even though 33 years old...why not ask the S&W Historical Foundation to do more research. I believe the records have been digitized into the 1960's now and may provide more insight. You could also get the invoice for that gun.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Guy has a great idea - see what the archives & invoice might reveal. My bet is that the chasing is an after market addition. Ed.

My 2 cents. The chasing and the note on the label are both aftermarket. If the factory did the work, it would have been done before bluing. If it was done by them later it would be indicated by a rework stamp. Looking at the end label, that's not factory, too sloppy.

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Don Mundell

I agree with those that feel that this was done after the fact. As far as doing the actual "chasing", I think that any competent machinist could perform that task.

I recently bought a set of ATV rims with the idea of building a log hauling arch to pull behind my ATV. I located a set of 4 bolt hubs with axle spindles online. Only problem was that the hubs were 4" centers and the ATV rims were 4.25".

My friend took the hubs to his brothers parts store and used a milling machine to extend the holes in the hubs out to 4.25" and he hangs wallpaper and paints for a living.

So again, I think a good machinist could figure out how to make that slot in the cylinder.

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James Redfield
LM #497