1890's .32 Dual Action 5 shot Nickle Plated ---

[alwaysc0de390]

Hey Guys....my great grandpa recently passed and I aquired his pistol. Top Break, numbers matching .32 5 shot. The nickle plating is so nice it looks CHROMED.

It will cock and shoot 1 shot, then each time I press the trigger it just spins the barrel (doesnt engage the hammer )....then I open it, close it...and it will shoot 1 shot, and spin again. I emailed S&W with a recommendation to use a well known "cowboy gun guy" to get it fixed.

He was storing it in an old US CALVARY holster marked US and stamped on the inside "wagoneer" (dont think this holster is FOR the gun though). Any info you guys can share is appreciated. I was amazed at how nice the plating is and cant wait to get it fixed!!!

Last Pat. Date: Jan 3 1882
Serial Number: 91,4xx

I will NEVER sell it but am curious as to what a gun in this shape is worth (after being fixed) ... I was told $450 from a local gun shop, but they didnt see it, THANKS ---

 

[alwaysc0de390]

Hey Guys....my great grandpa recently passed and I aquired his pistol. Top Break, numbers matching .32 5 shot. The nickle plating is so nice it looks CHROMED.

It will cock and shoot 1 shot, then each time I press the trigger it just spins the barrel (doesnt engage the hammer )....then I open it, close it...and it will shoot 1 shot, and spin again. I emailed S&W with a recommendation to use a well known "cowboy gun guy" to get it fixed.

He was storing it in an old US CALVARY holster marked US and stamped on the inside "wagoneer" (dont think this holster is FOR the gun though). Any info you guys can share is appreciated. I was amazed at how nice the plating is and cant wait to get it fixed!!!

Last Pat. Date: Jan 3 1882
Serial Number: 91,4xx

I will NEVER sell it but am curious as to what a gun in this shape is worth (after being fixed) ... I was told $450 from a local gun shop, but they didnt see it, THANKS ---

 

[Nicksterdemus]

2 kewl brother. Don't be so stingy w/little pics! I like them big uns............

 

[alwaysc0de390]

Here are bigger pics, hehe, thanks for posting brotha ---

The holster is cracking a TON...it even leaves color on my hand when I touch it....should I try to oil it or leave it alone? What do you recommend using?

It was funny because I was watching DEADWOOD with my dad, and Calamity Jane has a gun that looks VERY close, lol...Thanks everyone ---

 

[Nicksterdemus]

Dang if them ain't big pics. Real nice. 1 o' these days I'm gonna have 2 snag 1........

 

[opoefc]

Somewhere in it's past this gun has been to Jose's Bumper Shop for Jose's best buff and chrome job ! It's intrinsic value is probably $50 for parts, as is. It's value as a family heirloom is priceless. The "spinning barrel" is really a spinning cylinder, and that is caused by a broken cylinder stop or stop spring. A common problem with this model. It will cost you far more than the gun is worth to get it fixed, however if you want to put grandpa's gun back in service, that's your call. Ed.

 

[alwaysc0de390]

Hey Opoefc ... thanks for letting me know about the spring!!! So this isnt nickle plating....you say it has been CHROMED? If it was chromed how can I still read all the patent numbers and serial numbers without problem (they are VERY clear)?! $50 for a gun that is over 100 yrs old....I wasnt expecting that either. I appreciate your info

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ps. look at the gun in this thread....it is stock nickle and looks just as shiny as my gun, even the gun at the top/left of the forum is like that....I just hope it hasnt been chromed

http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/5401039...901017951#7901017951

 

[opoefc]

My comment about Jose's bumper shop was tounge in cheek. Actually the finish is probably nickel plating, however the buffing job indicates there was serious pitting, etc. to the original finish. A refinish, either chrome or nickel doesn't necessarily mean that the numbers and stampings are not readable after the refinish. This is a fairly common gun, regardless of it's age. Total production was several hundred thousand. Average condition examples are easily found at most bigger gun shows for $125 to $175 asking. No finish, malfunctioning examples are in the $50 to $100 range, depending on how much is salvagable. Ed.

 

[alwaysc0de390]

Thanks

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[alwaysc0de390]

So where can I get the spring to fix this?

Anyone know what the holster is worth? I may sell it and use the money to get a custom one made for the .32 since this one is too big THANKS ---

 

[Nicksterdemus]

I'd hang on to the holster as well seeing how it was your grandfathers. Even if it is too large for the top break you might purchase a sidearm down the road that will fit nicely. Might try calling some of the local gun stores and explain your situation to them as they may know an individual who might fix it for you reasonably. Does STL stand for St. Louis?
Was your grandfather left handed?

 

[walnutred]

I think that holster may be US issue for the Colt Army/Navy 38. If so the holster might be worth more than the revolver. Are there any markings on it?

 

[walnutred]

In fact, the more I look at the more I think the holster is a M1903 US issue.

 

[alwaysc0de390]

Yeah STL is Saint Louis,

.

The holster says US with a circle around it (on the front) , the inside of the BELT says " WAGONER John P. Francois" , then below that "troop A", then below that "IL.C V."

BTW , wow I didnt even realize it was a left handed holster, I bet they are rarer?! ---

 

[alwaysc0de390]

I am pretty sure its a m1903 left handed holster too now that I have searched a bit. Anyone know its value? Thanks ---

 

[Nicksterdemus]

Probably only worth 40 bits but I'll give ya a fin.

 

[norm]

I think you have a.32 double acton 4th model. I t is beutiful. Were it mine i wouldnt hesitate to get it repaired. Im puzzled by the serial number.It (according to scsw) should be43406 to about 282999 made 1883 to1901.It is worth a search for original box. Lastly dont store it in a holster as it promotes corrosion. Worth is immaterial, but i would think 450.00 is about right.

 

[alwaysc0de390]

Hey Thanks Norm. I would love to have the original box

... how would I go about searching, that seems tough?! I am definately going to get it repaired.


Why are you confused at the serial number, ... its #91,400 .... so its between the #'s you posted (43406 to about 282999). I appreciate all your help and wisdom

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[alwaysc0de390]

I have decided to sell the holster on Ebay....what is a good starting bid amount? I dont want to GIVE IT AWAY , but I dont plan on getting rich off of it either

, THANKS ---

 

[PZ93C]

Describe it fully, take great pictures and start it at a penny with no reserve.

You'll suck in the watchers and it will sell for a good, solid figure.

Is it left hand or butt forward? Early holsters were designed to be worn butt forward on the right. They were later converted to conventional style.

Brian