.32 revolver, unknown year or model

[Tibbs]

Good evening,

While browsing through some stuff I recovered from my parents' basement, I found this revolver laying around in a leather holster. Based on the markings on the handgrip I assumed it was a S&W. The drum holds five .32 rounds, every moving part seems functional (although I don't feel too confident shooting such a weathered-looking weapon) and a self-extracting mechanism is installed. Based on the data and on the picture I posted, is there a chance I can pinpoint the exact model and date of this firearm? I can take accurate shots of the markings on the drum and barrel, if needed. I have to admit I have no experience whatsoever with firearms, so please bear with me if I happen to post incorrect or incoherent data. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

[Tibbs]

Good evening,

While browsing through some stuff I recovered from my parents' basement, I found this revolver laying around in a leather holster. Based on the markings on the handgrip I assumed it was a S&W. The drum holds five .32 rounds, every moving part seems functional (although I don't feel too confident shooting such a weathered-looking weapon) and a self-extracting mechanism is installed. Based on the data and on the picture I posted, is there a chance I can pinpoint the exact model and date of this firearm? I can take accurate shots of the markings on the drum and barrel, if needed. I have to admit I have no experience whatsoever with firearms, so please bear with me if I happen to post incorrect or incoherent data. Thank you for your cooperation.

 

[deadin]

Post a good picture of the markings 0n the barrel and the logo on the grips, and I' sure someone here will be able to identify it.

 

[cgt4570]

Sorry to tell you, but it's NOT a Smith & Wesson. The most predominent parts that give it away are the screwed-on trigger guard, and the type of stop notches machined into the cylinder. It's a copy of some sort.
The top probably says something like "Made for Smith & Wesson Cartriges"? I also just noticed that what should be a 'W' in the grip emblem sure looks like an 'M' from the picture! This is probably a foreign copy from Spain.
Chris

 

[Tibbs]

Right, here's some closeups of the markings listed above:

1) drum

2) barrel

3) S&W logo on the handgrip (dark shiny bakelite is not that easy to photograph, but I think the logo is visible enough)

 

[H Richard]

cgt4570 is correct, it appears to be a Spanish copy of a S&W 32 Double action. I would be very hesitant to attempt to shoot it. Have it checked by a gunsmith. Value will be pretty low.

 

[deadin]

It's a Belgian copy of a S&W Top-Break. The logo on the grips and the trdemark on the barrel (Crown over ML) are from a company called "Manufacture Liegeoise d'Armes a Feu" of Liege. The proof mark on the cylinder is a Liege proof.
These guns, although not worth much, are very interesting if you collect early Smiths. The engraving appears to be a "quickie" copy of the New York style popular in the latter part of the 19th century.
Condition is a little rough, but I would figure it to be in the $100 to $150 price range. Belgian copies aren't quite as common as the Spanish ones.

 

[digi-shots]

The proof mark on the "drum" (cylinder) is a Belgium (Liege, Belgium) mark.

 

[digi-shots]

Dean...

good call... you beat me to it! I had to go and look up the spelling of Liege.

 

[Tibbs]

You guys deserve your fame: Just a few minutes and you unsolved the mistery! I'm not quite sure about what I'm going to do with this gun. Property documents and licences are long lost, and italian laws on gun possession are strict to say the least. I'll probably just hand it over to a gun collector, since I'm not really into the arms traffic business. Thank you again for putting your expertise to my service

 

[cgt4570]

Tibbs,
I don't know how the laws work in Italy, but the gun is probably from the 1880s or 1890s. Here in the US it would be exempt from any regulations whatsoever as a bona fide antique.
Chris

 

[walnutred]

And if I remember correctly that is a Belgian black powder proof, not a smokeless proof. So firing modern ctgs would be questionable at best.

 

[dogngun]

Tibbs: I'd hardly call it "arms trafficking".
It has been in your family for many years, and no government agency has stormed in to confiscate it-I'd just keep it as a family heirloom.
Clean it and oil it lightly, and put it away in a drawer for another 90 years or so.
It will do no harm.
There may yet be a good family story behind it.

FWIW, in my area it would sell at about $150-$180 due to the engraving.

mark

 

[Tibbs]

You guys convinced me, I suppose keeping it will do no harm. My grandparents came for visit today and according to what they say, this revolver belonged to my greatgreatgrandmother. As far as I know, she's the only member of the family that ever owned a gun for self-defense. My grandfather, former hunter, also told me that the he personally tested the gun about six years ago with Fiocchi .32 Short ammunition and had no problems whatsoever. Since I'm not that daring, I'll just polish it up and store it somewhere. Of course, I was being ironic about the 'arms traffic' thing.

 

[dogngun]

Tibbs. Not a good idea to store it in a holster-the leather attracts moisture and will ruin the surface over time dut to chemical reaction. The old "oily rag" on occasion will be OK.
Actually , a nice little revolver-congratulations.

mark