32 S&W Lemon squeezer

rhodesia

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32 S&W ctg. on the top of the barrel it has “Smith and Wesson Springfield Mass. USA Pat’d Feb 20, '77, Dec 18, 77, May 11, 80, Sept 11, 83, Oct 2, 83, TWO Aug 4, 85. ” On the bottom of the handle (Butt) it is stamped 90362. I was told this is the 1st modal because the serial number is low so been trying to get some type of date of manufacture if possible. this model is blued. Thank you
S&W 32.jpg

S&W 32a.jpg

S&W 32b.jpg

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Hi There,


A pic would be invaluable in appraising your New Departure.
Still, your serial number is very close to the end of the 1st
model production (at 91417). The first model was produced
from 1888 to 1902. Seeing yours is right at the end, it was
probably made in 1901-1902. For more accurate information,
you will have to contact the S&W Historical Foundation and
ask for a Historical Letter.


Cheers!
Webb
 
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I also have an S&W 32 with serial number 71975. I guess it was made in the 1800’s as well.
 

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I uploaded some picture but they look like they came out too small


Hi There,


A pic would be invaluable in appraising your New Departure.
Still, your serial number is very close to the end of the 1st
model production (at 91417). The first model was produced
from 1888 to 1902. Seeing yours is right at the end, it was
probably made in 1901-1902. For more accurate information,
you will have to contact the S&W Historical Foundation and
ask for a Historical Letter.


Cheers!
Webb
 
I uploaded some picture but they look like they came out too small


Hi There,


A pic would be invaluable in appraising your New Departure.
Still, your serial number is very close to the end of the 1st
model production (at 91417). The first model was produced
from 1888 to 1902. Seeing yours is right at the end, it was
probably made in 1901-1902. For more accurate information,
you will have to contact the S&W Historical Foundation and
ask for a Historical Letter.


Cheers!
Webb
 
Hi There,


A pic would be invaluable in appraising your New Departure.
Still, your serial number is very close to the end of the 1st
model production (at 91417). The first model was produced
from 1888 to 1902. Seeing yours is right at the end, it was
probably made in 1901-1902. For more accurate information,
you will have to contact the S&W Historical Foundation and
ask for a Historical Letter.


Cheers!
Webb

Yes, you do have a .32 Safety Hammerless First Model revolver. However, since the cost of a letter is at least a third of the value of the letter and unlikely to increase the value of your revolver, I wouldn’t necessarily purchase one.

I disagree with the date of manufacture of your revolver, or at least the frame thereof. As your revolver is considered to be ANTIQUE (which is the status of all of these manufactured up to serial number 91400), the frame was manufactured prior to 1898. In fact, as frames were manufactured in batches, and the First Model was up until serial number 91417, I think antique status should include all examples up to 91417, but a reasonable arbitrary number was selected (I can guarantee you there was not a post 1898 batch of 17 manufactured). Now, your revolver may have been assembled as late as 1902 and the ship date is known, obtained through a letter. But, unfortunately, these aren’t worth that much making a letter impractical for all but the very best examples.
 
Yes, you do have a .32 Safety Hammerless First Model revolver. However, since the cost of a letter is at least a third of the value of the letter and unlikely to increase the value of your revolver, I wouldn’t necessarily purchase one.

I disagree with the date of manufacture of your revolver, or at least the frame thereof. As your revolver is considered to be ANTIQUE (which is the status of all of these manufactured up to serial number 91400), the frame was manufactured prior to 1898. In fact, as frames were manufactured in batches, and the First Model was up until serial number 91417, I think antique status should include all examples up to 91417, but a reasonable arbitrary number was selected (I can guarantee you there was not a post 1898 batch of 17 manufactured). Now, your revolver may have been assembled as late as 1902 and the ship date is known, obtained through a letter. But, unfortunately, these aren’t worth that much making a letter impractical for all but the very best examples.

Well since I only paid $75.00 dollars for it's still a nice piece of history I think. I even got 3 50 round boxes of 32 S&W that's dated in the early 1900's I think the boxes are worth more than the ammunition, Thank you for your input greatly appreciated
 
Well since I only paid $75.00 dollars for it's still a nice piece of history I think. I even got 3 50 round boxes of 32 S&W that's dated in the early 1900's I think the boxes are worth more than the ammunition, Thank you for your input greatly appreciated

If you got it for $75, it might be worth almost triple that. Since it’s not an heirloom piece, I wouldn’t get a letter on it, but if you do, at $100, the cost of the letter and the cost of your revolver is about what your revolver is worth, give or take a few bucks.
 
Hi There,


I disagree with the date of manufacture of your revolver, or at least the frame thereof. As your revolver is considered to be ANTIQUE (which is the status of all of these manufactured up to serial number 91400), the frame was manufactured prior to 1898. In fact, as frames were manufactured in batches, and the First Model was up until serial number 91417, I think antique status should include all examples up to 91417, but a reasonable arbitrary number was selected (I can guarantee you there was not a post 1898 batch of 17 manufactured). Now, your revolver may have been assembled as late as 1902 and the ship date is known, obtained through a letter. But, unfortunately, these aren’t worth that much making a letter impractical for all but the very best examples.


At the time I posted response, I was using the SCS&W 4th. Ed.
for reference. I did not see anything in there about the frames
being manufactured before 1899. Though, I do not dispute it
either. The section on the .32 ND 1st mod. does not contain
any cut-off serial number for antiques.


Cheers!
Webb
 
Hi There,





At the time I posted response, I was using the SCS&W 4th. Ed.
for reference. I did not see anything in there about the frames
being manufactured before 1899. Though, I do not dispute it
either. The section on the .32 ND 1st mod. does not contain
any cut-off serial number for antiques.


Cheers!
Webb

Use this:

Pre-1899 Firearms FAQ
 
Better yet, use this original correspondence between the BATF and Roy Jinks. Interesting set of documents. They are the basis for the James Rawles document.

They also answer the question about the manufacturing dates in Roy's book.

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