.32 Long Early Model | Need Help

[TaylorCrochet]

I have a beautiful .32 long s&w. It has a 5 digit serial number, 113xx. It has a patina, but the gun is very clean, and works extremely well mechanically. I do not know much about it and I am looking to sell it. What would be a reasonable price to ask in its current condition? Would the gun loose value if it was polished?

Any help is much appreciated.
Thank you in advance.

 

[SmithLover48]

Beautiful

Very nice gun!!

 

[glowe]

I will be as tactful as possible and say you have a beautiful wall-hanger or parts gun that would sell for $100. In the condition I see, there is not much hope of restoration and probably would not even be comfortable shooting it.

 

[TaylorCrochet]

I will be as tactful as possible and say you have a beautiful wall-hanger or parts gun that would sell for $100. In the condition I see, there is not much hope of restoration and probably would not even be comfortable shooting it.

Thanks for the quick reply.

Do you have any info on age?
Should I attempt to restore it at all?

Thanks again.

 

[glowe]

Your gun is actually just a 32 HE Model of 1903 (no change) and was only made in 1903-1904, with 19,425 manufactured. The 1st Change 32 HE was actually the first change made by the factory.

If you, or some knowledgeable gunsmith can verify that the gun functions fine, I would just buy some ammo and go shoot it. There is nothing you can do to bring the metal surface back or the stampings, so have fun at the range.

 

[Green Frog]

TC, what you have there is an early example of the 32 HE produced before WW I and as such its parts are a little different and probably of a little lower strength than those built later. Cosmetic condition of yours, as has been stated, is challenged at best. In its present condition, it is probably worth about $100, and if you clean it up (no refinish, just clean and lubricate) it may bring a little bit more. Any money you spend on refinishing will, in my opinion, probably be wasted... if you spend the money for a finish and reblue, say, $300-400, you will have a gun that is worth perhaps $300. JMHO, of course.

Froggie

 

[Skeetr57]

If that is a1903 no change,, just about all of the internal parts are different from later changes, so if a part breaks you will have a hard time replacing it. after about 1906 or so, all the major internal changes were complete, so after that parts interchange and parts availability are much better.

 

[DGNY]

On a positive note, I have always admired the inherent balance in design of that configuration, the grip outline, the barrel length and cylinder frame size all speak of well considered elements of composition.

If it will shoot for you for some fun, it will be pleased to serve you, I should guess!

Regards,

Dyson

 

[DWalt]

That one is far over the hill. You could spend few hundred on refurbishing it, but it would be money wasted. You are nearly always ahead to spend the money you would have used for refinishing to buy a gun in much better condition.