.32 Regulation Police post-war with a bonus (?)

rjm6120 · #1 09-17-2020, 07:09 PM

My gun buddy and I went south to Irvine, KY today to check out a small gun shop, and the gentleman had this nice .32 Regulation Police post war (pre-model 31). The gun also came with this very nice presentation box that has me puzzled, as well as a cleaning rod, cleaning brush, and paperwork that did not include the instruction manual.
The SCS&W 4th edition helped me determine (correctly, I hope) that it's a pre-31 due to the 4 inch barrel and the ramp front sight. Grips number to the gun; serial number 675XXX dated '56- early '57 before the model number designation. Got the package for $600 OTD.
My main question is if anyone has seen a presentation box like this from the factory? There is no mention of these type/size boxes in the SCS&W. My guess is this may have been for a knife, as opposed to a gun, and possibly made by someone else, although it is very well made. Anyone's insight would be appreciated.

merl67 · #2 09-17-2020, 07:29 PM

As far as I know presentation boxes did not come along until much later, and I think only for N frame models. These boxes can be found on Ebay it is then a simple matter to make inserts to fit the gun you want to display in them.

H Richard · #3 09-17-2020, 07:37 PM

It appears to me to be what you state, a 32 Hand Ejector, Post War, and I would guess around 1956-57 as you did. Measure that barrel again, muzzle to cylinder face, and I bet is is 4 1/4".

I feel you got a wonderful deal, that box is not seen every day, and I do believe it could have been from a knife display.

rjm6120 · #4 09-17-2020, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merl67

As far as I know presentation boxes did not come along until much later, and I think only for N frame models. These boxes can be found on Ebay it is then a simple matter to make inserts to fit the gun you want to display in them.

Yes, I found that same info from the SCS&W about the presentation boxes. Nothing close mentioned in it about what I acquired today. Pretty cool nonetheless though!

rjm6120 · #5 09-17-2020, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

It appears to me to be what you state, a 32 Hand Ejector, Post War, and I would guess around 1956-57 as you did. Measure that barrel again, muzzle to cylinder face, and I bet is is 4 1/4".

I feel you got a wonderful deal, that box is not seen every day, and I do believe it could have been from a knife display.

Thanks H Richard....I measured the barrel twice from muzzle to cylinder face, while I was doing my research when I got the gun home, and it is definitely 4 inches even.

kscharlie · #6 09-17-2020, 08:49 PM

That is a gorgeous gun. However, it is not a Regulation Police or pre-Model 31. Both of those designations had a square butt frame. Yours is a round butt, making it a .32 Hand Ejector, or pre-Model 30. In either case, your purchase is about as nice as it gets.

rjm6120 · #7 09-17-2020, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kscharlie

That is a gorgeous gun. However, it is not a Regulation Police or pre-Model 31. Both of those designations had a square butt frame. Yours is a round butt, making it a .32 Hand Ejector, or pre-Model 30. In either case, your purchase is about as nice as it gets.

Thanks, kscharlie......so, late .32 Hand Ejector/pre-model 30 examples can also have a 4" barrel and ramp front sight? I admit the round butt of the gun threw me a bit when trying to determine what this is.

Hondo44 · #8 09-17-2020, 09:03 PM

RJM,

Yes it is a very cool package even though not factory, and a very clean 32 Hand Ejector (pre model 30).

Unless it's roll stamped Regulation Police on the barrel's right side.

A Styrofoam insert in the box bottom with a cutout for the gun, and the velvet wrapped over and around it would give it a more factory look and keep the gun from sliding around.

Hondo44 · #9 09-17-2020, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard

It appears to me to be what you state, a 32 Hand Ejector, Post War, and I would guess around 1956-57 as you did. Measure that barrel again, muzzle to cylinder face, and I bet is is 4 1/4".

I feel you got a wonderful deal, that box is not seen every day, and I do believe it could have been from a knife display.

The .32 Hand Ejector/Reg Police 4 1/4" barrels were standardized at 4" with the introduction of the Improved I Frame, 2nd variation which changed the 1/2 penny front sight to the ramped front sight with an added barrel rib.

RJM's is a Model of 1953 NEW I frame which qualifies it as a Pre Model.

rjm6120 · #10 09-18-2020, 07:15 AM

I appreciate the input from those of you who responded to help me confirm which model I have, as well as confirm my thoughts about the box that came with it.