Another ID on (maybe) 1903 3d model .32

[-BTM-]

At least that's what I think it is. The odd thing is that it has what I think is the serial number on the front strap of the frame, with grips that cover the butt. They are so worn it's hard to tell but they look original.

I'd swear I read somewhere that pre-war I-frames could have the serial # on the front strap, particularly if the factory grips covered the butt. It's in the 355xxx range. I'm thinking it is a pre-war .32 HE third model. Also commonly referred to as the pre-war, pre-pre model 30. (Ok I made up the last part)

In that case it might have a 3 1/4" barrel. If you look carefully at the ejector rod…hey, wait a minute….

 

[JP@AK]

It isn't a .32 HE Third Model. It is a .32 Regulation Police from sometime in the 1920s. The .32 RP had the serial number on the front strap instead of the butt.

Those stocks are probably original, but the checking is almost complete worn off. It must have been carried and handled a lot!

 

[-BTM-]

Thanks Jack, that pointed me in the right direction. I stopped reading a few pages too early, thought after the pre-30 section it would all be post-war. Now to find a cylinder assembly……

 

[Hondo44]

Jack nailed it in post #2.


Some additional details:

These small frame .32s were made on S&W's I frame until 1961 when they changed to be made on the J frame.

321000 is the approximate s/n that Heat treating the cylinders began in 1920 on .32s.

The May 8, 1920 change order:
Regulation Police grip frame front toe was left square with a sharp corner for easier grip fitting of the sq butt I frame .32 & .38 RP stocks to the round butt grip frame. If yours is square that will help pin down its date of manufacture.

Whenever an I frame model was issued with grips that covered the butt, the serial number was stamped on the front grip strap. So it's not a random factory protocol.