.32 S&W I Frame HE questions

[Smolt Smython]

A lady acquaintance asked me if I could give her any information on this revolver that has been in her family for a long time. Older family members are no longer available to ask.
The serial number looks to be 433601 and apparently she keeps it loaded!!
I went thru chapters 5 & 6 of Jim Supica's Standard Catalog of S&W but I became lost in all the different years of "change models" and the apparently overlapping sequence of serial numbers.
Can anyone tell me which model this is and the estimated production/shipping date?
Thanks everyone for your help.

 

[Dino44]

Based on what I see in my 4th edition copy .32 Hand Ejector Third Model, Pg 143. Serial numbers range 263001 to 536684, with 271,531 manufactured circa 1919 - 1942. My guess is that yours was produced mid to late 1930tys. Other more knowledgeable members may share closer dating, based upon documented ship dates of near serial numbers.

 

[Spurdann]

Not much good unless it is loaded. Tell her to shoot it, practice is a good thing.
You might give it a good cleaning for her.

 

[Smolt Smython]

@Dino44 thanks for your time and effort looking this up, appreciate it.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

.32 Hand Ejector made around 1926/27.

 

[Muley Gil]

.32 Hand Ejector made around 1926/27.

Yup. Mushroom head ejector rod and non-medallion stocks puts this one in the 1920s.

 

[Buff52]

I bought the bottom one last year. I forget but i determined mine was 1929-30. .32-20 ctg
Mine was $400 the top one in better condition with the desirable 4 inch barrel was $1200. I’m cheap lol
Is that a 5 inch barrel on yours? I thought those were rare and if so will add value i think?

 

[Muley Gil]

"
Is that a 5 inch barrel on yours? I thought those were rare and if so will add value i think?"

It is probably a 4 1/4" barrel. The early I frames had 3 1/4", 4 1/4" and 6" barrels.

 

[kscharlie]

Serial # 482442 shipped January, 1927. 3 1/4" barrel.

 

[luckyM13]

Serial # 482442 shipped January, 1927. 3 1/4" barrel.

View attachment 776799

So gorgeous. My Dad's was similar except nickeled and ruff lol. I let my sis have it, she didn't have a gun.