.32 S&W question

[willieboy]

My friend at work has a neat old S&W. It is a top break .32 hammerless, SN 222950. The neat thing about this one is it is in the original black box and looks like it is brand new. The black plastic grips look like new also.

I think it has been fired but only a couple of times since there is a box of shell in the box with a few missing. Can someone tell me approximately what year this S&W was made? Approximate value. My friend has had the S&W since 1968.

 

[glowe]

This revolver was called the 32 Safety Hammerless (aka New Departure) Third Model. Shoots 32 S&W ammunition, which is still available from major manufacturers. The grips are made of hard rubber and not plastic. This revolver was made around 1909 - 1911, so is considered a modern firearm by ATF standards.

They made lots of these revolvers, so value is normally not very high. If it is truly in mint condition with no wear and the original box, the value would be much higher than average retail and I would guess $600 to $1000. The 2" bicycle gun and the 6" barrel are rare and would command a premium. If it had a 1 1/2" barrel, the price would be higher still.