Hand Ejector; 5-Screw; Serial # 30832...all matching...832 only with a 5-pt. "star" on the butt; >X 32 winchester ctg X<; 6 1/2" barrel; HE fixed sights; Nickle.

Thanks!

Jim McK

__________________
TejanoViejo

Isn't it a bit odd to have only the last three of the serial number on the butt?

But, is sounds like a 32-20 1905 1st change.
That is if the SN is 30832.

Thanks, Retired W4 . . . 30832 is, in fact, the correct/only serial #, which appears in it's entirety everywhere <it should> except on the butt. However, if the "star", also, indicates a factory re-nickle, as it would for a factory re-blue, then, just perhaps, coincidentally, the 8 32 represents Aug, '32 as the date of a factory re-nickle, just as it would for a factory re-blue? Also, <fyi>the full 30832 appears on the lower left frame just above the star on the butt ... why would the 832 in a different & larger font also appear so close to the full serial # on the lower left frame as well? . . . Hhmmm . . . any other ideas/suggestions, please ???

__________________
TejanoViejo

If it is stamped .32 Winchester on the barrel, that would date it from 1914 or earlier. If the SN is 30832 (which should be on the butt, on the rear face of the cylinder, and on the bottom of the barrel), that would date it to about 1907. If it has a round butt, it would be a .32-20 Hand Ejector, Model of 1902. If it has a square butt, it would be a .32-20 Hand Ejector, Model of 1905. .32 Winchester = .32 WCF = .32-20.

Can you post some pictures? Most, but not all, of the factory work date stamps I have seen are on the left front of the grip frame. Often vertical and sometimes horizontal. Usually are stamped like 8.32. It is possible the frame needed repair and that removed part of the SN on the bottom of the grip frame. Repair could have been from a non-factory installed lanyard ring --> drilled hole welded up before the plating. Just my speculation...

__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Thanks, DWalt & Wiregrassguy . . . you are both right on target ... it is, in fact, a round butt & there is a threaded hole <not welded up> exactly where the "30" would have been ... the bottom of butt frame appears as: * O 8 3 2 . . . the *<star> is directly under 30832 stamped in a much smaller/different font stamped on the lower left grip frame . . . my digital camera is "kaput" at the moment, but I'll try to get photos posted some how . . . Thanks, again to all for the input, which is most appreciated !!! ...

__________________
TejanoViejo

With that bit of info, my further speculation is the factory did the lanyard mods which is why the SN is stamped on the side frame. They restamped the number because it was defaced when the lanyard was installed. There was no GCA back then so no reason for a gunsmith or S&W to restamp the number. But, S&W wanted the SN intact on the frame. As far as photos go, surely you have a 10 year old neighbor with an iPhone...jes sayin'

__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629