What model do I have

[jkingrph]

It is a 32-20 Hand Ejector, I think from 1922. It is a five screw model fixed sight, 6"barrel, square butt, no grip medallions. Serial number range is
10xxx7 with no letters preceding the number.

[FifthWheel]

Sounds about right. We like pics. First 3 digits would probably be helpful with dating.

[Absalom]

Yep, sounds like that’s pretty much what you’ve got

Seriously, there were no model numbers at that time, it would simply be a .32-20 Hand Ejector or Military & Police Model.

I believe your 1922 guess is also in the ballpark. The absence or presence of the MADE IN USA stamp on the right lower frame would indicate production before or after about May 1922. The non-medallion stocks are period-correct.

[jkingrph]

Frame is stamped made in USA First three digits of serial number are 109.

I understand there were variations that are refered to as 1st, 2nd model, ect.

[Art Doc]

S&W simply called it the 32-20. No name, and model numbers don't appear until 1958. Identical to the Military & Police 38 except for caliber.

[rct269]

Given the 109XXX serial number, you have a "32/20 Hand Ejector Model 1905 Fourth Change"---and if that isn't enough, it is also known as "Model 32/20 Hand Ejector Winchester Issue of 1905 Fourth Change".

These "Change" designations were hatched by collectors to identify picayune mechanical differences (one from the other) but primarily to create the necessity to own one each of the particular change--in all barrel lengths-----and all finishes------in both service and target configurations---with all available front sight options-----just in case anybody asks why you need so many of the same thing. And by now you know the answer---they're not the same thing----but it is said they'll all "shoot plumb through a man".

In the unlikely event you are ever quizzed (and graded) on such things, your Fourth Change came about at serial number 65701 in 1915, and continued on to 144684 in 1940---presumably the end of the line.

Given an unhealthy continuing interest in such things, there are a couple of must have books for you to carry around to impress your colleagues: Smith & Wesson 1857-1945, and Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (4th Edition).

Time for supper-------------

Ralph Tremaine

It turns out supper was wishful thinking, so here's some fodder to be used for wild guesses as to when your handgun might have been shipped:

#42094, a 2nd Change Target, was shipped December 22, 1908, and

#114655, a 4th Change Target, was shipped August 21, 1923.

[Absalom]

Originally Posted by jkingrph

Frame is stamped made in USA First three digits of serial number are 109.

I understand there were variations that are refered to as 1st, 2nd model, ect.

There is a 108xxx on the list that shipped in July 1922, so that confirms the ballpark.

While Ralph is right that these were catalogued until 1940, the general assumption is that production petered out at least a decade earlier; the caliber rapidly lost popularity in the 1920s, also a reason why shipping dates on higher serials can be hard to extrapolate with any reasonable accuracy.

To add a tidbit to Ralph's dissertation, by the time yours would have been sold, the "Model 1905" designation was no longer in use (S&W ended that by the end of WW I), and the numbered Changes were never used by anybody back when the guns were actually made, sold, and used. I don't generally use them unless there is a good reason, like when specific parts are the issue. But just like the screw count, which on the M&P usually serves no purpose either, you'll sound more learned and make some oldtimers here happy if you use them

[JP@AK]

jkingrph

Here are a few more numbers and ship dates, roughly near yours:

90303, July, 1920
96786, April, 1921
99052, April, 1921
106360, February, 1922
106473, August, 1922

The cartridge mark on the barrel changed in about the spring of 1922, from 32 W.C.F. CTG to 32-20 CTG. That can help approximate the date of assembly. I suspect yours, at 109xxx, has the .32-20 marking, since the Made in U.S.A. stamp showed up at about the same time.

[rct269]

In defense of my well and truly pedantic dissertation, I chose to use the "textbook" label(s) for the gun rather than those I'd use with regular folks. That's because regular folks would already know pretty much all there is to know if I'd just called it a 32/20---which is what I'd normally call it----and what our friend Jeff called it---------------in the course of asking for more.

Speaking of "more"----------versus less, I give you my motto: "Some's good, more's better, and too much is just right!"

Now this is normally restricted to horsepower and money, but is also applicable to knowledge----especially when one has asked for such knowledge. Ponder if you will, for a moment, poor Jeff's reaction if he was told he already knew enough---and didn't need to know anymore. He'd probably have his feelings hurt-----might even hunt you down, and give you a thump on the head!

So---when in doubt, go for wretched excess---as in: "Some's good, more's better, and too much is just right!"----even when "too much" is really too much.

Ralph Tremaine

[jkingrph]

When I bought it the gent said he had a factory letter but could not put his hands on it. He fouS&Wnd it and it came in. What I have is a 1905 hand ejector fourth change. It shipped from the factory in Nov of 1922, and S&W states it shipped with a 5" barrel, and does measure 5" from muzzle to the cylinder face. It looks so similar in size to my two K models that I thought it 6" without measuring.