1903 .32 HE 1st Change

[Pilgrim]

Just got this. The nickel is much better than I can photograph. It's not a perfect gun but the nickel is pretty darn good for being over 100 years old and something that has seen some use.

Should I keep it or ask for my $100 back?

 

[ar15ed]

what a cool gun!

 

[DCWilson]

Easily worth $100; that'll be a great shooter.

The nickel does look good, but I think it may have been refinished at some point -- and not necessarily recently. The sideplate line is a little pronounced, and unless it is just a trick of the lighting the hammer and trigger seem to have been nickeled. That's usually an indicator of a refinish as the guns came from the factory with case color on the hammers and triggers.

Something's a little odd to my eyes about that hammer profile, like maybe the spur once broke off and was welded back on.

But I am not carping. If I had seen that gun for $100, I would have jumped on it too. One of my guns that I feel a special fondness for is a 1915 .32-20 that was renickeled. Not a collector's piece by any stretch, but it is a lot of fun to shoot.

 

[Pilgrim]

It could be an old redo but the stampings/roll marks on it are very sharp and crisp. They don't looked like they've been buffed out at all.

The right plate MIGHT have slightly rolled over edges but it's really hard to tell. It does appear that the hammer has been repaired.

The side plate is flawless. The pic makes it look like a waterline on the plate but it's a reflection.

Were the hammers and triggers plated back them? Seems like I remember hearing that some models were.

Both the hammer and trigger are plated on this one.

As far as function goes, this one is tight and functions well.

I'm very pleased with the acquisition.

 

[mikepriwer]

Seems like I remember hearing that some models were.

No - hammer and trigger were not plated. That is a good indication
of a refinish, and not a factory refinish. In fact, the gun may not have
been nickel originally - may have been a blue gun. You'd probably
have to get a factory letter, to learn how it was originally shipped.

I agree with the other observations about the hammer - something
has happened to it.

Mike Priwer

 

[Pilgrim]

Did nickel guns of this era have the N stamped in the grip frame and on the cylinder like the later guns? This has no N's.

 

[Hammerdown]

Did nickel guns of this era have the N stamped in the grip frame and on the cylinder like the later guns? This has no N's.

Hello
Look up under the extractor Barrel cut out area on the flat part. If is has a "B" Prefix, it was a Blued gun if it has an "N" Prefix it left the factory as a Nickel example.... I have also on Occasion seen one's Marked with the "B" prefix that actually lettered as a Nickel Gun, and it was explained to me that sometimes existing stock of "B" stamped revolver's Meaning Blued finish were Nickel plated for customer's special requests and Not Over stamped or changed when the customers order's requested a special finish change. A Factory letter would be the only True way of knowing just what finish that gun had when it left S&W.

 

[Pilgrim]

It has a B to the left of the number.

So now we know it may or may not have been blued or nickeled !

Thanks HD.