.32 Hand Ejector Questions

MRJ · #1 10-04-2012, 11:34 AM

An interesting S&W .32 revolver showed up recently at a gunshop in Alachua county, Florida. Pictures of it are posted below. Serial number is 2649XX on an I frame with a 4 1/4" barrel. Finish is a very strong nickel, which even with my limited experience appears to be a renickel. The cylinder face and barrel bottom are serialed to the gun. Both of these components are marked with S&W rework stars. On the frame under the left grip is a rectangle boxed "R-N" stamp. I am not certain but believe the numbers 4 74 are near the "R-N". Top of barrel has no patent dates.

I would welcome any comments or questions the group may have on this Smith. Thanks

opoefc · #2 10-04-2012, 01:48 PM

MRJ, The 4.74 means the gun was repaired/reworked/refinished in April 1974 and the "R N" stamp indicates a refinish in nickel. Both the barrel and the cylinder were probably replaced and the serial number stamped on the new parts. The absence of patent dates on the barrel, indicates it is a replaced barrel. Ed.

Wiregrassguy · #3 10-04-2012, 03:38 PM

It would be nice to see the gun in larger pictures...say 1280x1024. Can't really make out any details in those thumbnails.

Ed, if the rework was done in 74, they must have still had some of the old 1/2 penny sighted barrels lying around. Because it looks to me like that's what's on the gun. Also, they could have polished off the original stampings if the gun was in bad shape when they got it.

Wiregrassguy · #4 10-04-2012, 03:45 PM

Based on the serial number, I make it as a .32 HE 3rd Model made in 1917 (production began at SN 263001. But, it appears to have the later knurling on the ejector rod. So, more than the barrel and refinish appears to have been done. The ejector rod change may have been necessary if the barrel was changed out for a later one with no recess.

MRJ · #5 10-04-2012, 08:15 PM

Gentlemen - Thank you for your replies. I looked at this revolver again and can confirm the stamped date of 4 74 on the frame. Also it appears to have hard rubber grips. The owner of the gunshop is taking this piece to the Ocala Florida Gun Show this weekend and I am considering purchasing it. There is no box or paperwork and I am wondering if this apparent factory rework would tend to raise or lower the value of this firearm ?

In any event the thought of factory rework of a revolver 57 years old is very interesting.

I'll post some better pictures tonight.

Wiregrassguy · #6 10-04-2012, 08:45 PM

I'm afraid with all the rework done the value is pretty low for a collector. Could be worth about $200 as a shooter.

MRJ · #7 10-04-2012, 10:01 PM

Here's some somewhat better images - Additional comments welcome.
Thanks

Hondo44 · #8 10-07-2012, 09:51 PM

Guy is correct, barrel replaced with a post war 50's vintage barrel without the notch for the pre 1928, pre war mushroom extractor knob, therefore has the postwar straight extractor.

Being a post war barrel, it would not have had patent dates on the barrel either.

It would be interesting to know if it has right or left hand Extractor threads since the 32s had left hand threads immediately post war and of course the pre wars were right hand threads.