I picked this little gem up today. It appears to be a factory nickeled pre model 30, improved I frame. The grips are original and numbered to the gun. Serial is 6259xx so I figure 1957 or 1958? 4 screw frame, coil spring so no strain screw. I didn't think they did the flat latch this early.

Picture didn't show up, trying again :

I would guess 1953-54 based on a couple of mine. 600097 = Jan 53 and 662165 = Dec 57. Puts yours in the middle between them.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

I agree. My 637539 shipped June 1, 1956.

I'm not sure about the flat latches on I-frames, but the J-frame Chiefs Specials had flat latches as early as 1951.

Nice looking .32 Hand Ejector. Congrats.

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Thanks for the info. I thought the improved I frames were only made 58 to 61. I'll have to get it lettered.

RWPBR

When Jim (Hondo44) shows up, you will get the full load of info. But here is a preview:

The Improved I frame (coil spring, etc.) showed up in about 1951. Then, in 1953, you get the New I frame with the absence of the screw in the trigger guard. That is what you have - the New I frame.

Flat latches showed up about that time, c. 1953, but earlier on the Chiefs Special. The first flat latch on the J frames was quite different from the one you have. It didn't have the uptick at the front. It was more oval in shape and slightly curved from top to bottom. Sorry I don't have a picture to show you, but there are good illustrations in the SCSW.

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

I have a nickel Model 30 no dash just like that but in nowhere near as good of shape. That is one sweet I frame you have there.

Nice looking revolver with the perfect barrel length for the frame.

I have a 32 Hand Ejector but mine is blue and a bit older than the one you show. It is a lot of fun to shoot. Especially when stretching the range. Those little bullets take a while but they fly true.

Enjoy yours, it is a beauty!

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

she is a beauty
well done

Wow, that's a stunner!

Serial #6259xx places it as being shipped in the first half of 1956.

As Jack posted above, you have the version that followed the Improved I frame: "Model of 1953 .32 Hand Ejector" built on the NEW I Frame forging, which introduced the flat latch on the I frame, but it's the 2nd style. The I frame never used the 1st style found on the Baby .38 Chiefs Special after about serial #117. The Models of 1953 I and J new frame forgings also introduced the larger, egg shaped trigger guard and the 1/8” longer I/J frame grips on the round butt grip frame. And the new I frame sq butt grip frame, first seen on very late pre 1953 Baby J frames.

Yours is the earliest issue with the 4 screw frame and the pre 1953 old hammer style. Nicknamed the Pre-Model 30, it was designated the Model 30 in mid 1957, but wasn't stamped as such until mid 1958 or so, and was still made on the New I Frame. In Jan 1961 the .32 Model 30 was introduced on the J frame and became designated the Model 30-1.

Congrats and enjoy shooting that one!

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks to all for the excellent information.. I love this place. It's like a university course on Smith & Wesson!