.32 long ID help, please.

[zebcotia]

I have what I think is a .32 hand ejector. I am not sure what variation and the approx. date of manufacture. The barrel is 3.25 inches long.
The serial number is 42938X. There is an X stamped on the bottom of the frame next to the serial #.
All the barrel, frame and cylinder numbers are the same.

The grips are actual stag\bone. They even smell like old bone!

Can you help me with identifying this for a friend, and an approximate value for his insurance? I told him the grips may be worth more than the revolver.

thanks. Here are some pictures (I hope)

 

[DWalt]

Yours is a .32 Hand Ejector Third Model. I don't know the exact date, but probably mid-1930s. I'll leave value estimates to someone else more knowledgeable. Better pictures would help on a value estimate.

 

[Green Frog]

DWalt has given you the correct scoop, It is a pre-War 32 Hand Ejector built on the old I-frame with leaf type mainspring. It is late enough to have the good heat treating and is therefore perfectly fine with modern factory or factory equivalent loads. In fact, the only thing it lacks is the improved hammer block safety developed during WW II. Like DWalt, I can't do much with your pix on my computer, but from what I can see, the condition looks good, but I agree that those grips are probably worth as much as the rest of the gun... I know they'd look good on my pre-War Terrier!

From what I can see, it looks like the "X" is near the toe of the grip frame... I seriously doubt that is factory applied. Of course the grips aren't factory either, but they sure add to the package.

That's about all I can come up with from the information and pictures provided. I hope that will help your friend. As for insurance value, I'd put it at about $300-350 or maybe a bit more if the finish is nice... that's about replacement value around here. On a good day it might bring $400 or more, but I'm doubtful you could get the insurance agent to go for that high a value. JMHO, though. Get a couple of other estimates.

Regards,
Froggie

 

[zebcotia]

I will try more images.

 

[zebcotia]

Thanks for the information so far. I know she needs a little TLC. I plan on giving her a good cleaning and lube before I return her to him.
He plans on handing her down to his son. Nice family heirloom.

How hard is to find the ammo for it? Not exactly something wal mart carries. lol

 

[glowe]

Using eht SWCA database, the revolver would have shipped most likely in 1926. I would have to give you a lower estimate of value. The gun appears to be in a Very Good category IF it had original stocks, but it does not. There are collectors out there that like horn stocks, but personally I don't think they add any dollars to the revolver and probably degrade the value to any collector and likely to shooters as well. If I were going to pass the gun on, searching for original I frame stocks would be a priority. They are often available on ebay for a reasonable cost.

I would look to pay a maximum of $250 for a very common, slightly worn gun with after-market stocks.

Ammo is available at many online sites, but is normally quite expensive. I have found good prices on PRVI ammo, so check around and you should be able to find boxes for under $20 each. I would not hesitate to shoot the revolver and it should perform very well at the range.

 

[zebcotia]

Gary, that is a lot of great information. Thank you so
much.

I can always count on this site to help with answers like this.

thanks again to all who replied.

bill