.32 Hand Ejector Third Model or .32 RP?

[JonnyZee]

Hello all,

I found this beautiful .32 at a local shop and am trying to identify it and find out what you think the value is. I am definitely thinking it's one of the two named above but thought it could possibly be something else as there is a boatload the Standard Catalog of S&W! The picture of the left side is a bit blurry, but I do believe it says Smith & Wesson on the barrel, with the logo on the frame. It is dusty and dirty but will clean up nicely as there is no rust or pitting, and the bluing looks to be about 90-95%. Grips are in pretty nice shape as well. One thing I did notice right away is in double action the spur blocks the rear sight, not that the sights are too good anyway. Btw, what are the two pins on the left side of the frame? There's one just above the stock and the other under the thumb piece. Thanks in advance for any help!!

Jon

 

[Hondo44]

Very nice. The round butt grip frame makes it a .32 Hand Ejector.

Although it's original as shipped including the blue finish, the front 1/2 moon sight appears to have maybe been filed somewhat. If so that decreases the value to most collectors. I'd value it at between $300-$400. Maybe as high as $450 if sight is original configuration.

You should check the right side grip back for the penciled serial matching the gun. Also look for a date stamp on the left side grip frame near the toe, under the grip.

The serial # indicates a mid 1924 shipping date.

The upper pin is the hammer pivot stud. The lower pin is the rebound slide stud.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! These little guns are a hoot to shoot! Get some .32 Long and have fun. The guns below are a Regulation Police (top) and a .32 Hand Ejector with serial near yours. Notice the different grip shape. As Jim notes, the .32 HE has a round butt while the Regulation Police has a stepped backstrap with round to square butt extension grips. Also a Reg Police serial will be on the front strap of the grip frame where it will be seen with the grips on.

 

[JonnyZee]

Thanks for the replies! The 32HE Third Model, which I'm assuming is the one you're both talking about says it has the 32 Long ctg on the left side and Smith & Wesson on the right. On this revolver they're reversed, the cartridge is on the right and S&W on the left. I know you can't tell from the pictures, they showed up pretty bad on my post. I'm comparing the pics on my phone and I believe the sight is untouched as it's shape looks the same as others I've seen. Thanks again!

 

[Hondo44]

The barrel markings don't always coincide with the model for all guns within that serial # range. However, confirm that the serial # in the flat on the bottom of the barrel matches the # on the butt of the gun. If it doesn't, the barrel has been changed.

Glad to hear the sight is right.

 

[JonnyZee]

Thanks. I'll check the numbers on it in a couple of days. The guy will be back Saturday and I'll have a look see. Do you know what the numbers are inside the frame behind the yoke? It looks like letters and numbers. Did they put assembly numbers on the frame under the left side stock like on later models? I bought a 27-2 from the same guy last year in pristine condition that had an assembly number that was one digit off on the yoke from the frame under the stock. I guess I'll never know why it's off by one. Either the assembler messed up or the one that was supposed to go with it didn't fit correctly so they grabbed the next one?

 

[Hondo44]

Do you know what the numbers are inside the frame behind the yoke?
Did they put assembly numbers on the frame under the left side stock like on later models?
Either the assembler messed up or the one that was supposed to go with it didn't fit correctly so they grabbed the next one?

Yes, I do. Yes. And no. Read on:

ASSEMBLY (factory work, soft fitting) #s:
These multi-digit numbers of 3 to 5 digits, are on the yoke at the hinge, in the 'yoke cut' on frame opposite the yoke near the hinge (usually accompanied with the inspector's letter or # code stamps of approval, but not always), and inside of the side plate, for the pre war and early post war period thru ~early 1958.

After 1957 model #s assigned were stamped on the frame in the yoke cut. The serial # was soon after added in the 'yoke cut' as well and the assembly # moved to the left side of the grip frame parallel to the butt. Once the gun is shipped, the only use for the assembly # is to confirm the three parts it's stamped on, are original. These are still in use to this day in some way.

More currently beginning in the 1980s we see non-matching multi-digit numbers parallel to the butt left side, right side, or both and inside the side plate. "They are just assembly numbers. They are not important numbers in my opinion." Roy Jinks

MODEL NUMBER STAMPING:
began eventually, most not until 1958 after being ordered June 12, 1957, but the serial number was not yet stamped in the 'yoke cut' of the frame.

YOKE CUT STAMPING of the assembly (work) # vs. serial #:
changes after Model # stamping got more confusing. When Model Number stamping began some months to a year after being ordered June 12, 1957, the serial number was not yet stamped in the frame 'yoke cut' on the frame side of the yoke hinge. But in the l958-1959 time period as the use of target grips became more common and if the revolver was ordered with or was standard with target stocks which covered the butt serial #, the serial number is stamped in the yoke cut of the frame. The assembly number would have also been in this area, as it was stamped on the gun long before the revolver was serial numbered.

But when the serial # was stamped on the frame in the 'yoke cut', except on the smaller frames at first where it just didn't fit well, the frame assembly # from the 'yoke cut' was moved to the left side of the grip frame. The 3 assembly # locations became the yoke, left side of grip frame (later the right side), and backside of side plate. However, the post 1959-60 yoke cut serial # placement on the later guns is the reason for many pre 1957 guns to be incorrectly registered by the useless assembly # on the frame in the yoke cut.

Confused yet?

 

[JonnyZee]

Thanks for taking the time to explain all of this Jim. I really appreciate it! I get just about as much enjoyment out of researching every firearm I've purchased as I do shooting them! Investigating all of the proof marks on my Winchester M1917 was a bit of work but definitely rewarding! Thanks again Jim