Can any one help me identify and old double action

[wbdrey]

I saw and antique Smith revolver, Small frame , round butt, 6inch barrel, in 32 S&W long. The cylinder does not have a frame mounted release, you pull the ejector rod forward to open it, and the top strap acts as a spring, and has the cylinder stop attached to it. What it is?

 

[moosedog]

That cylinder stop on the top sounds like it may be a 1st Model DA or also known as a Model of 1896. They came in 3 1/4, 4 1/4 and 6 inch barrel lengths.
This was the basis for the "I" frame revolvers.
Did it have any scroll work writing on the cylinder?

 

[DCWilson]

You have pretty well described a .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1896 (or First Model). This was the very first S&W revolver with a swing-out cylinder. Three years later in 1899 the .38 Hand Ejector was introduced on the mid-size K frame.

The Model of 1896 was produced for only five years or a little more. The Second Model (or Model of 1903) had quite a few engineering and design differences from its predecessor.

Can you post photos? A lot of us here like the "roots revolvers" that S&W put out in the late 1890s. Six inch barrels are a little uncommon. Most of those early .32s had 3.25 or 4.25 inch barrels.

 

[wbdrey]

It did have an inscribed cylinder

 

[wbdrey]

I don't have any pictures, it is a purchase I am contemplating. If I do buy it will certainly post some.