Just a moment...

This gun puzzled me a bit. The letter seems to indicate that it is an extremely rare piece and it's advertised as 1 of 1. I thought for sure that there were other original nickel K32s I have seen, both on this forum and at the symposium.

There were a couple of things that seemed not quite right about this gun to me, spots in the finish where lettering looked a bit soft, and the 1/2 stenciled "35" on the back.

Please help me understand what made this so attractive, and at the "buy it now" price, I would have expected it to be clean.

__________________
Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

That is the one that was displayed at the symposium.

__________________
Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

I suppose it's the "one of one" that makes it attractive. The "35" and another oddity or two would be a concern but it's not like we can wait for another better one to come along. Since no others have sold it's pretty hard to know what the "market price" ought to be other than the amount it sold for. It's one we'd probably all like to have but apparently none of us thought it was worth more. Had it been in one of RIA's Premier Firearms Auctions I wouldn't have been surprised if it had gone for more, perhaps a lot more.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I was fortunate enough to have had one each of the 1st/2nd/3rd model K-32's, but that doesn't translate to me knowing all that much about them.

Let's start with what you mean when you say "original nickel K32s". Are you talking about a 1st Model (pre-war), or the first K-32 Masterpiece (post-war)?
Mine was the Satin Blue----the "funky finish".

As an aside, my 1st Model was 1 of the 94 pre-war versions which Jinks' letter notes thus: "These early K-32's are officially known as the K-32 First Model." He also notes S&W "completing only ninety four units.", which contradicts N&J---which says 83. In the for what it's worth department N&J notes the finish (of the pre-war model) as "Blue"-----as opposed to Blue or Nickel. Jinks' "History" appears silent as respects finish.

So much for "book learning".

Ralph Tremaine

Here's my Nickel K-32, just for fun.

Attached Images

Model 16 Nickel.jpg (128.3 KB, 241 views)

__________________
Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

And that would be a post-war, 2nd Model K-32 (1st Masterpiece), yes?

RCT

I've handled this gun. I also lettered it. It belonged to a very good friend of mine and was in his estate until he passed.
I remember my friend telling me a story about this gun probably 30 years ago. He had called Roy to authenticate that it was factory Nickle. My friend told me that after Roy verified it, he got a call from Ray Brazille trying to buy it. Ray was probably the top seller of S&Ws in those days.

The most knowledgeable person on K32s that I've ever known is Dave Ballentine. He told me that he didn't think that S&W made a Nickle K32. I showed him this letter and he stated that he believes its the only one. Until I see another one, I will believe that also.

I don't know when or where the number 35 was placed on the revolver. I've heard it called a rack number. Maybe it was a PD, a club or range gun. I don't think we will ever know.

Like I said, I know its real and until I see another one, I will continue to believe that its the only 1.

__________________
S&WHF 483 , S&WCA 1699

Sounds good to me!

RCT

I am not doubting that this one was originally nickel, obviously the letter so indicates. I just recall seeing others. Leo posted one a few posts ago and I saw this one https://smith-wessonforum.com/member...2-k-32-rs.html

So it would argue that 1 of 1 only applies to that particular invoice. I hope whoever bought it is thrilled.

__________________
Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

To me the really surprising thing was the invoicing showing about $0.50 difference between nickel and the TT.

__________________
Front sight and squeeze

I don't know. LEO918's K-32 looks pretty good. What's up with the end of the ejector rod?

The GB pics make it look well worn and pretty dirty...The overall finish shows a lot of wear issues......Ben

__________________
Cogito, ergo BOOM!...

LERK. Just like mine on my 1947 K22. Big Larry

Obviously, the big question is: Did these two guns ship originally in nickel?

__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Did not mean to mis-represent. My Model 16 letters as shipped as a blue gun. Whoever did the work did an excellent job on the prep and Nickel plating.

__________________
Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

Thank you for clarifying

__________________
Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760

No cut in the barrel that I can see like my 1947. Sorry about the image size.

Attached Images

	Model 16 Nickel.jpg (4.5 KB, 36 views)
	IMG_1499.jpg (55.4 KB, 24 views)

Yeah, I assumed you meant "What's up with the groove on the end of the ejector rod?"

__________________
Regards,
Lee Jarrett

That's what threw me off.

Yep, that little groove in the center. Haven't see that treatment.
Also, isn't that a K-32 1st Model at the top of this forum?

Roger

__________________
Eph 2:8-9

Surprised there have been no comments on the funny looking grips.

__________________
Living a dream - S&WCA #2364

I got to inspect this K32 at the Tulsa show a few weeks ago. It has been verified and documented as an originally factory shipped revolver. As for the condition, it is a "shooter" grade. There are issues with the nickel, like lot of guns that were used back in the day. According to Roy, it is the only one lettered, so far.

__________________
NoExcuses,Trey
HF#667 CA#3421

Cokes that were modified to fit a K Frame ?

I think I know who it belong to. The Big Gorilla maybe?

If they are modified N cokes, I have a couple sets. Or the elusive K cokes?