Need Info on my '32 WCF CTG' Revolver...

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Joe_

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I don't know much about guns at all. This was my dad's gun that he'd always had tucked away in his closet. I'm mainly interested in how much this gun might be worth since I'm not a gun guy and I could really use the extra cash at the moment. In my novice opinion, it seems to be in excellent condition, but I know from watching 'Pawn Stars' that it might not be the original plating and grip and stuff and that could affect value.

The serial number is 97415, and here's some pics:



I'll happily post some more pics if needed.
 
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Welcome! It is a .32-20 (aka .32 Winchester Center Fire or WCF) Military & Police revolver from sometime in the late 1910 to early 1920 decade. As StrawHat mentioned, close(r)-up photos are needed to tell if it has been refinished - I think the stocks are older plastic replacements.

I will also add (before everyone else does) that since you are asking a question on the S & W Forum that you will only have your dad's gun once, if it has any family or sentimental value to you. Hope this is helpful.
 
Welcome to the Forum. I will wager that the gun has been refinished. The retaining pin on the barrel lug is polished flat. What I can tell from the photos, is that the 32/20 Hand Ejector, 4th Change was shipped from the factory 1920 - 1921. As Alan states those are Franzite plastic stocks and not factory. It has a 4" barrel and looks to be original configuration, except for the stocks. In-focus pictures would help a great deal in order to get more accurate information.
 
Welcome to the Forum.

As stated above, if the family connection means anything to you, keep this revolver. Once gone, you almost never get one back. Many a poster on this forum has regretted selling a family heirloom.

You say you aren't a gun guy. While a .32-20 isn't the ideal revolver, due to being a lighter load than say a .38 special and ammo is a bit harder to come by, it can still defend you and your family. And, .32-20s are fun to shoot! I've owned one, or MORE, for over 40 years now.
 
One might add that in case your gun is confirmed to be refinished, at least the refinisher knew to leave well enough alone and did not nickel-plate the trigger and hammer, an unfortunate occurrence adding insult to injury on a lot of re-finished guns.

Obviously, it is not our place to make judgments about your financial situation or decisions, but this gun might get you a bit over $200 in a private sale, likely a lot less from a dealer or pawn shop, and even an original finish is not going to add a huge premium (I paid $255 for a .32-20 just like yours from 1913 not too long ago, with original finish and stocks, in not much worse shape). So I wouldn't be in a rush to get rid of it if the family connection is of any importance.
 
As I said, I'm not a gun guy. Never even fired a gun, so the sentimental value isn't there. (I'm a musician, so my dad's '72 Rogers drumkit is what's almost priceless to me.) But judging by the pics I've seen of similar guns, I'm almost certain it was refinished because it looks almost new to me. It doesn't look 100 years old, ya know what I mean. And sorry about the pics, my phone's camera isn't that great.

My initial thought was to sell it in a pawn shop. Ya know, if they offered me $100, I'd probably take it. But I might wait and ask my uncle what he thinks first. He's a gun guy that used to go hunting all the time. He might know someone who'd buy it or he might buy it. And yeah, I might hang on to it for a little bit, get some ammo and fire it, just to say that I have.
 
Your M&P's SN dates it as shipping sometime in 1921. A pawnshop is an absolutely terrible place to sell a gun. A private sale to another individual would likely be the best option. If you do decide to sell it and have no better options, you might see if a local gun shop will sell it for you on consignment, for which they might take 15% to 25% of the sale price. I think it would sell in the $250 area.
 
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As for the dating issue, we know it is later than 1915 because of the serial number and because of the caliber stamp, which changed in 1914. It is earlier than about 1922, again because of the caliber stamp and because it doesn't have Made in USA on the right side of the frame.
Maybe refinished, and the stocks are not original. A $200-$250 gun, in my opinion.
 
check the bore (for obstructions) before you attempt to fire the gun. Open the cylinder, hold a piece of white paper on the cylinder end (breach) of the barrel….light the paper if possible with a desk lamp….and look down the barrel. You should see lands a groves. Look for deep pits or residue in the barrel….if obstructed or dirty, take to a local gun shop and have them instruct you on how to clean the gun.
 
You might do better to offer it to other family members if you have any. I know I've missed out on a number of family guns and other family items cause nobody made any effort to contact me. And it bugs me.
 
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