22/32 Kit Gun?

[THE GUNRUNNERLLC]

I have an odd little revolver that I picked up at a gun show over a year ago, and forgot all about until last night. It is a .22 L.R. six shot with a nickel(?) finish(or other grey colored finish), it has wooden grips with S&W medallions in them, three screws on the right side, a flatlatch cylinder release, adj. rear sight, a letter "A" and a five digit number printed inside the loading gate twice: 211XX. There is also a four digit number on the bottom strap of the grip: 12XX (this number was etched under the muzzle as well at some point...{factory? or armorer?} ). Both sets of numbers are faintly etched into the grips in different places(as well as other etchings that will drive me crazy trying to "read" them). This is a fine little revolver in immaculate condition. I remember buying it thinking how much fun it was going to be to shoot...I do not think it has ever been fired . It appears to me that at one time, there was LOTS of stamping, etching, etc all over the gun that has worn off with age; either that or the steel picked up and transferred print from a newspaper or other source perhaps---naah.... I could swear that I can almost "read" ---"ARMY" in several places. I could also swear I can almost make out the word"POLICE in strange places...I may just "want" to read more than what is there, but I am pretty good at seeing what "used to be there" -- if ya know what I mean...
I need input here folks. I am a shotgun guy, and know not what I have. Is it a pre M&P___(something)? or maybe a 32/22, 34 flatlatch, .22 M&P etc? No model number appears anywhere except the numbers I already spoke of...Is this a common gun or a "find"? I'll try to get my wife to snap some pics in between birdies at the feeder...
If anyone has a real good idea what it is; how much might it be worth -- in roundabout guestimation?
All replies appreciated.
Thanks for your help.
Shoot well, and -- as always -- SHOOT SAFELY !!

Shep B

The Gunrunner,LLC
835 Va Bch Blvd
Va Bch, Va 23451
757-961-7330(shop)
757-425-2936(office)
757-353-8535(cell)
[email protected]

 

[DCWilson]

I have an odd little revolver that I picked up at a gun show over a year ago, and forgot all about until last night. It is a .22 L.R. six shot with a nickel(?) finish(or other grey colored finish), it has wooden grips with S&W medallions in them, three screws on the right side, a flatlatch cylinder release, adj. rear sight, a letter "A" and a five digit number printed inside the loading gate twice: 211XX. There is also a four digit number on the bottom strap of the grip: 12XX (this number was etched under the muzzle as well at some point...{factory? or armorer?} ). Both sets of numbers are faintly etched into the grips in different places(as well as other etchings that will drive me crazy trying to "read" them). This is a fine little revolver in immaculate condition. I remember buying it thinking how much fun it was going to be to shoot...I do not think it has ever been fired . It appears to me that at one time, there was LOTS of stamping, etching, etc all over the gun that has worn off with age; either that or the steel picked up and transferred print from a newspaper or other source perhaps---naah.... I could swear that I can almost "read" ---"ARMY" in several places. I could also swear I can almost make out the word"POLICE in strange places...I may just "want" to read more than what is there, but I am pretty good at seeing what "used to be there" -- if ya know what I mean...
I need input here folks. I am a shotgun guy, and know not what I have. Is it a pre M&P___(something)? or maybe a 32/22, 34 flatlatch, .22 M&P etc? No model number appears anywhere except the numbers I already spoke of...Is this a common gun or a "find"? I'll try to get my wife to snap some pics in between birdies at the feeder...
If anyone has a real good idea what it is; how much might it be worth -- in roundabout guestimation?
All replies appreciated.
Thanks for your help.
Shoot well, and -- as always -- SHOOT SAFELY !!

Shep B

The Gunrunner,LLC
835 Va Bch Blvd
Va Bch, Va 23451
757-961-7330(shop)
757-425-2936(office)
757-353-8535(cell)
[email protected]

Shep, that sounds like it would be a .22/32 Kit Gun, Model of 1953 (or Pre-model 34). The serial number is the one on the butt, which should also be repeated on the back of the cylinder and flat underside of the barrel.

These guns are somewhat in demand, so in the really good shape you describe, I figure it might go for $500-700 depending on geography and local interest. If it was brand new in the box, you could probably get a thousand for it (or close to it). These show up on Gunbroker from time to time. You might search there for "Pre-34" or ".22/32" and "Model of 1953" and see what turns up.

I don't think the faint "ARMY" and "POLICE" engravings you mention can be real, but I'm willing to be proven wrong.

 

[ButchG17]

Can you post pictures?