1905 4th change 32-20 hand ejector

[mod57]

Ok so I saw this in a glass case at the local Scheels. Didn’t get a chance to really hold an inspection it but I managed some details. Nickle plate nice shape, 6&1/2 in. barrel. Nice condition non medallion checkered walnut stocks. SN is above 67,000. Assuming that all the numbers match is this pistol worth the $999.99 they priced it at?
Thanks
Ralph

 

[Wiregrassguy]

I think it would have to be pretty pristine with box papers tools to bring that much. Did it have Target sights on it?

Guy

 

[mod57]

Nope no target sights, no box, papers or tools. There is a holster mentioned as extras but it was not on display. It looks to be a very nice gun , but... oh that price.

 

[tpole]

I attach these images for your information for what they're worth: from a 1905 4th I took possession of Friday. Serial 88,252 which I believe dates it shipped in 1919 and with a heat treated cylinder?

I'd place it above 90% condition. I don't think the side plate had ever been off it. Serial and assembly numbers match.

Gavel price was $550, which I thought was fair (esp. in these goofy days of high gun pricing).

Good luck, hope that helps inform your decision--

 

[mod57]

If it had been priced at $550 I would have taken it.
Ralph

 

[rct269]

BRING 'EM ON!!

If it had been priced at $550 I would have taken it.
Ralph

I'd have taken a whole boat load!!

Another Ralph

As an aside, a couple of 32-20 targets sold not too long ago, one from the early 1900's ($3,300)---another from the early 1920's ($1225)----both high condition---both on Gun Broker.

 

[mod57]

I am going to go back and see if I can get a hands on look see.
Ralph

 

[delcrossv]

I'd have taken a whole boat load!!

Another Ralph

As an aside, a couple of 32-20 targets sold not too long ago, one from the early 1900's ($3,300)---another from the early 1920's ($1225)----both high condition---both on Gun Broker.

This one is fixed sights, if I understand correctly.

 

[rct269]

This one is fixed sights, if I understand correctly.

Understood----just telling what I know. Any and all interpretation/extrapolation is an entirely optional and extracurricular activity to be performed (or not) by others.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[handejector]

Nickle plate nice shape, 6&1/2 in. barrel. Nice condition non medallion checkered walnut stocks. SN is above 67,000.

Not enough data.
Define "Nickle plate nice shape".
Are the grips original? Non medallion wood grips are way later than 67,000, so what is the actual number?
6-1/2" is interesting. Probably the lowest production length.
Bore condition?

Gavel price was $550, which I thought was fair (esp. in these goofy days of high gun pricing).

NICE gun. What was the bottom line with premium and shipping?




High condition 32/20s with pristine bores are scarce. I have sold a few guns in the high 90s with a pristine bore and cylinder for around $1000, and it has been a while ago.....
They just aren't out there. 32/20s usually show their age, and the bores are pitted more often than not.

 

[mod57]

Not enough data.
Define "Nickle plate nice shape".
Are the grips original? Non medallion wood grips are way later than 67,000, so what is the actual number?
6-1/2" is interesting. Probably the lowest production length.
Bore condition?









High condition 32/20s with pristine bores are scarce. I have sold a few guns in the high 90s with a pristine bore and cylinder for around $1000, and it has been a while ago.....
They just aren't out there. 32/20s usually show their age, and the bores are pitted more often than not.

Yes Lee, well aware that I don’t have enough information on this particular revolver. I stated as much in my initial post. It was more of an exercise in what if’s, if you will. Thank you for some very enlightening info about the 32-20 hand ejector. My unfamiliarity with them is showing I suppose. Like I said, I am going to go back and see it again. Maybe I can learn more. BTW, Nickle plate that is in good shape to me means that it is bright, clear and shiny with Sharp clear roll stamps.
Ralph

 

[delcrossv]

High condition 32/20s with pristine bores are scarce. I have sold a few guns in the high 90s with a pristine bore and cylinder for around $1000, and it has been a while ago.....
They just aren't out there. 32/20s usually show their age, and the bores are pitted more often than not.

That's what kept me away from them . Wonder why that's the case as opposed to regular 32 longs.

 

[Muley Gil]

That's what kept me away from them . Wonder why that's the case as opposed to regular 32 longs.

The .32 S&W Long cartridge dates to 1896, right when smokeless powder was being introduced. The .32-20 aka .32 WCF dates to 1882 and was originally a black powder rifle round. Black powder, plus corrosive primers, added to infrequent cleaning, leaves many a rusty, pitted bore.

 

[mod57]

That's what kept me away from them . Wonder why that's the case as opposed to regular 32 longs.

Black powder cartridges maybe? I am told that these guns were frequently used as work guns and that they were often worked hard. I really have no first hand knowledge of this, just what I have read.
Ralph

 

[merl67]

I must be behind on prices of these I would think $450-500 would be the absolute tops for just the gun.

 

[tpole]

NICE gun. What was the bottom line with premium and shipping?


$680

 

[glowe]

Check the barrel length when you go back. The 3rd and 4th Change guns were supposedly only offered in 4", 5", and 6" barrel lengths. A 6.5" could add value.

For comparison, I have one 4th Change 32-20 and paid $900 for it earlier this year. It is an early 1920s target.

 

[rct269]

And this one of Gary's is the spittin' image of the two I spoke of earlier----so go figure!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[mod57]

Check the barrel length when you go back. The 3rd and 4th Change guns were supposedly only offered in 4", 5", and 6" barrel lengths. A 6.5" could add value.

For comparison, I have one 4th Change 32-20 and paid $900 for it earlier this year. It is an early 1920s target.

Gary that is one nice revolver!
Ralph

 

[22hipower]

Check the barrel length when you go back. The 3rd and 4th Change guns were supposedly only offered in 4", 5", and 6" barrel lengths. A 6.5" could add value.

For comparison, I have one 4th Change 32-20 and paid $900 for it earlier this year. It is an early 1920s target.

Now there's a gun for which I would pay $1000, probably more. Very, very nice!

As to the $999.99 nickel one at Scheels, I would just comment that our local Scheels has had some nice pieces but all were overpriced in my opinion. The Cabelas Gun Libraries are typically high but here anyway, Scheels seems to add another 10-20%.

Jeff
SWCA #1457