1905 .32-20 buy value

[Ispy12]

Hey Guys,
these earlier HE's are something I am getting into. I am by no means an expert but I do know most of what to look for. I am thinking hard about buying this one. Serial is B 84xxx. Here are two basic pics I got. I was told it has not be refinished and all stamping is sharp except the Smith and Wesson on the barrel is not a super deep stamp. Buying it to shoot as well. I understand this serial falls in the better heat treat in regard to cylinder.
What are 1905's in this this condition bringing these days?

Auctions are closing from $350 to $1500 so that is why I am asking. I realize the tool and model 15 brochure are NOT correct, the seller added them for "effect"...lol.

Thanks fellas.

 

[raljr1]

You can't seem to buy a decent Smith revolver under $500 these days, but I would think $700 would be the top for old 32 hand ejector in good shape. I'm no expert, buy that gun looks like it's been reblued to me. The fit of the side plate and the rounding at the bottom of the frame are things I'd not expect on an original gun. Certainly no intention of raining on anyone's parade, but I'd hate to see someone pay too much based on faulty info. I'm sure someone more knowledgeable than me will have an opinion.

 

[22hipower]

Better pictures would help but I'm suspicious of a refinish too. Stocks look nice and I'd ask if they're numbered to the gun. Without verification of the "original finish" claim $350-$400 would be tops for me. Not easy to find one in original condition that looks that nice. Good luck.

Jeff

 

[Ispy12]

Thanks fellas...I did not notice that rounding of the bottom edge.
I am going to get detailed pics soon and see what that tells me.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Definitely refinished.


Guy

 

[gmborkovic]

Is this for sale at a shop or buddy? Pull the grips and see if they are stamped/penciled with the serial number and what the grip flats look like. The 32-20s have a very loyal following. I do like those deep medallion grips. The seam on the side plate does look a bit wide/rounded.

 

[ParadiseRoad]

...that side plate parting line really stands out...I have to guess refinished too...

 

[Ispy12]

This would be a private sale. Here are a few more pics.
I will ask about the grips and serial #.
Not sure these tell us much other than it needs a good cleaning.

 

[DWalt]

Absolutely no question in my mind - it has been refinished, therefore it's only a shooter. Even $500 is way too much, I might be tempted at $350-$400 (as someone else stated earlier). 84xxx is in the heat-treated period. The grips with deep dish medallions would be period correct.

 

[Ispy12]

Thanks guys....like I said these older revolvers are a new thing for me.
I think I could get it shipped in/transferred for $400 and as a shooter I could be okay with that. If the deal happens I will post it up here.

 

[JP@AK]

I agree that is definitely a refinished revolver. The stocks are period correct and likely original. They are the best thing about the gun!

Incidentally, those stocks are way too old to have the serial number impressed into the wood. If it is there, it will be written with a pencil and will probably be very difficult to see.

 

[raljr1]

And in the end, all that really matters is that you are happy with your purchase. I'm sure it will be fun to shoot. I myself can't seem to get enough of S&W 32 caliber revolvers and have purchased 2 that were refinished and I never minded shooting them.

 

[Breakaway500]

Shouldn't there be an S&W logo on the frame or side plate and Made in the USA on the RH side? I also don't come up with a B prefix for serial numbers..

 

[DWalt]

Shouldn't there be an S&W logo on the frame or side plate and Made in the USA on the RH side? I also don't come up with a B prefix for serial numbers..

Probably not then. S&W stopped that frame stamping of the logo during WWI, and didn't resume it until around 1920. The MADE IN USA stamping did not begin until late 1922. The B prefix meant only that it left the factory with a blued finish, and was also used at that time. This gun was probably made in late 1919.

 

[FifthWheel]

Shouldn't there be an S&W logo on the frame or side plate and Made in the USA on the RH side? I also don't come up with a B prefix for serial numbers..

The Made in USA on RH frame started in 1922 or around there. It should have a SW logo, my '21 has it in left side frame. SN 977XX

 

[Breakaway500]

So no S&W logos on the frame at all? I guess I've never seen one bare of markings. Hmm..

 

[DWalt]

So no S&W logos on the frame at all? I guess I've never seen one bare of markings. Hmm..

Wasn't used from WWI until about 1920.

 

[FifthWheel]

Wasn't used from WWI until about 1920.

That explains my '21, thank you.

 

[AJ]

Hope the OP can get it for a decent price. Had a .32=20 Winchester Model 1892 and it was fun to shoot. Imagine a revolver in .32-20 would be fun also.

 

[FifthWheel]

Hope the OP can get it for a decent price. Had a .32=20 Winchester Model 1892 and it was fun to shoot. Imagine a revolver in .32-20 would be fun also.

I've shot mine. very good shooter but they're not cheap rounds. I may start reloading for it.