First "older" gun

[PeteQuad]

I finally have something to post here! My 1929 .32 HE 3rd Model arrived today. It's in great condition too, better than my 10-6 from 1963.

I'm up to 3 frame sizes, halfway there! Next up is a J frame, then an L. I'm not sure about the X... At least I'm done with finish types already

 

[PeteQuad]

I finally have something to post here! My 1929 .32 HE 3rd Model arrived today. It's in great condition too, better than my 10-6 from 1963.

I'm up to 3 frame sizes, halfway there! Next up is a J frame, then an L. I'm not sure about the X... At least I'm done with finish types already

 

[PeteQuad]

By the way, I meant to add - I imagine those are not the original grips. How would I go about finding some - I'm guessing all magnas are not the same and I have to look for a particular type?

 

[N_itis]

Nice start.

Those probably are the original stocks. To make sure, remove them and check them for a stamped serial number.

 

[PeteQuad]

Oh you are probably right. Originally I looked at the picture in the SCSW which shows different grips (with a monogram) but then I read a passage that says: "Walnut wood grips with a diamond around the screw escutcheon have been observed as well as black rubber stocks. The rubber stocks all had the S&W monogram while all the wood stocks has the monogram missing."

Although the grips did not have a serial number on them. I took some quick pics:

 

[N_itis]

Check the right panel. It looks like there is a pencil marking. Handwriting the serial number in pencil was common practice during the era when these stocks were used (1920s more or less). Stamping came along later. I am not sure but I would guess there was a transitional period when both methods were used.

The stocks are commonly called non-medallion service stocks and predate Magnas which first appeared shortly after the introduction of the Registered Magnum in 1935. Magnas then started appearing on K frames just prior to World War II. I am not sure, but I do not think Magnas were used on prewar I frames...I am just not very familiar with I frames.

I have to say, those stocks are in great condition for being roughly eighty years old. Oh, the gun is pretty nice too. Congratulations.

 

[PeteQuad]

Wow you are right! I looked right at them and didn't see it. I went back to the high res version of the picture and I could read the serial number clearly. Thanks very much!

You are right, the whole gun is in great condition. The stocks felt like they'd never been off before, and underneath looked excellent also. All I can say is, buy with confidence from ac4142

I really like the I frame. I have short fingers and it fits me excellently. I almost hate to shoot it though - I'll never get it back as clean as it is. But I do want to see what it feels like also.

 

[Tijeras_Slim]

Yep, sometimes the pencil is hard to see unless the angle and light is right. Beware though, it will be removed by any type of cleaning fluids etc if you wipe down the inside of the grips.

 

[bmcgilvray]

I really like your revolver Pete. Very attractive! Thanks for sharing.

 

[handejector]

Pete,
Your 32 is a '32 Regulation Police', not a '32 HE', IF those stocks are original. The stocks are called 'Square Butt Extension' type. There should be a "step" halfway down the backstrap, and the serial number is on the FRONT strap so it can be seen. Look for a "Pat'd 1917" on the bottom of the stocks.

 

[PeteQuad]

Well, what do you know, I didn't realize the hand ejector third model didn't have the serial number on the front strap until I read it closely. And I also didn't take note of the fact that the regulation police serial numbers ran concurrently with the HE 3rd model. Thanks very much!

I did take a look and saw the step you were talking about.

As for the stocks... I can't find the stamp. I'm not sure what that means about them. I wonder if there were any exceptions? The pencil marking makes me think they are originals, although I know such a thing could be easily faked. But then, I don't know why someone would bother, since it's not exactly an expensive gun. Also, when I looked again, it is really very hard to read, and actually more legible in the picture I took than in person.

 

[opoefc]

You say in your first post that this is a "1929 gun" Is that because you have a factory letter showing a 1929 shipping date, or? The rebated stocks are correct for this gun and are probably original. They would not have the 1917 patent date on the bottom, as stocks with that date were mostly used up by the early 1920s. Your style of stocks, w/o the medallions was last used in 1929-30 period, as S&W went back to inserting the medalions in 1930. Ed.

 

[PeteQuad]

I only know that the seller informed me that Mr. Jinks told him it was from 1929, and that the serial number suggests that that is the general time frame. Your post further solidifies it in my mind, so I thank you.

However, I am enjoying the tidbits about this gun so much I will have to get a letter done

 

[handejector]

Ed Said:

They would not have the 1917 patent date on the bottom, as stocks with that date were mostly used up by the early 1920s.

Sorry, forgot about that!

I'm gettin' as old as Ed.

 

[PeteQuad]

I just wanted to give you all an update since you were so informative. I just got my letter back today and the gun is all original and with serial number 3671XX was shipped on March 6, 1923 to E. K. Tryon Co., Philadelphia, PA.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Congrats, Pete, nice looking revolver. Nice to have the letter that makes it all "official."

 

[MikeyL]

Pete: Nice piece! I got into "I" frames a few years ago, have three of them now. Guys on this forum gave me a great "heads up" on how to polish the small scratches on the nickel. Mother's polish (I found mine in an auto parts store) and a very fine Scotch-brite pad. Makes them look like new! I lettered mine as well...makes a nice presentation.

MikeyL
S&WCA #2010