Information wanted on .32 top break S&W

dogngun · #1 09-01-2007, 08:27 AM

I just bought a .32 top break S&W, 3 1/2" bbl lemon squeezer with the push type barrel release. Grips are worn but not chipped. There is no finish on the gun, some blue remaining on the trigger guard. Bore looks very good, and it locks up and functions pretty well. SN is 13428.

I'd like to know when it was made and the actual model no,how many were made etc if possible.
I found it at Cabellas this morning while looking for something else. ( I didn't buy the other gun.)
$150, but it is the first S&W top break I have seen in a while around here.

It's soaking in WD40 right now.

I believe I still have a box of .32 S&W ammo somewhere...

Thanks for any help.
ADDED: After initial light cleaning, I found no S&W logo anywhere on the gun, and no markings on the side of the barrel. There are the S&W patent dates on the top of the barrel, and S&W logo on the grips. Grips have matching SN scratched into the left side. Revolver is very tight, bore is much better than I thought, and retaining pins are still in place on the grip safety. All finish has been removed long ago, it is all gray steel, with what looks like sanding marks are all over it -this gun seems to have been caried a lot but remains in fine working condition.
It is a .32 New Departure 1st model, I believe from about 1889/1890, FWIW. I believe it was blued.
Again, thanks for any help or information.
Mark

dogngun · #2 09-01-2007, 08:27 AM

I just bought a .32 top break S&W, 3 1/2" bbl lemon squeezer with the push type barrel release. Grips are worn but not chipped. There is no finish on the gun, some blue remaining on the trigger guard. Bore looks very good, and it locks up and functions pretty well. SN is 13428.

I'd like to know when it was made and the actual model no,how many were made etc if possible.
I found it at Cabellas this morning while looking for something else. ( I didn't buy the other gun.)
$150, but it is the first S&W top break I have seen in a while around here.

It's soaking in WD40 right now.

I believe I still have a box of .32 S&W ammo somewhere...

Thanks for any help.
ADDED: After initial light cleaning, I found no S&W logo anywhere on the gun, and no markings on the side of the barrel. There are the S&W patent dates on the top of the barrel, and S&W logo on the grips. Grips have matching SN scratched into the left side. Revolver is very tight, bore is much better than I thought, and retaining pins are still in place on the grip safety. All finish has been removed long ago, it is all gray steel, with what looks like sanding marks are all over it -this gun seems to have been caried a lot but remains in fine working condition.
It is a .32 New Departure 1st model, I believe from about 1889/1890, FWIW. I believe it was blued.
Again, thanks for any help or information.
Mark

jimgoldth · #3 09-01-2007, 11:43 AM

Hi dogngun,
It appears that you have a first model made from1888-1902 serial 1-approx 91417. The safety hammerless , aka Safety, aka New Departure or AKA lemon Squeezer. The price you paid was not bad. I have bought them for from $75. to $250 depending on condition. The New departure 32 is a neat piece of history. Jim

azmick · #4 09-01-2007, 12:02 PM

come on now dogngun, you know the drill, it does not exist untill we have pictures