Grandpa left me a .32 Long CTG, Help with Dating?

[T-Bodz]

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum and am up to date on current models.
However, my Grandfather left me several (S&W and Colt)
of his pistols this past year and I'd like to try and identify
them as I have no idea about the older models.

I see that there are some different sections for different
year ranges. I'm quite certain this will fall in to this range
from what I have googled thus far and how short the Serial
Number is / 4 Digits.

I have listed two others in the after 1961 section in case
you enjoy this type of detective work.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.....

Here's what I know about the .32 Long CTG:
When dropping the Cylinder I see Tiny Stamped what looks
like 451, 431, 45L or 43L, On the Butt it is Stamped 10XX

Thanks again from the Newbie!

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. You are describing a 32 Hand Ejector, 1st Model, or Model 1896. This was the first hand ejector revolver made by S&W and represents an important model that was developed in 1896. Your revolver should have shipped in 1898, making it an antique as classified by the BATF.

The 32 Long cartridge is still manufactured and is available by most ammo manufacturers. If in good working order, it should shoot this ammo just fine.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

You have a .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903. It was probably shipped in 1903.

Member glowe assumed, as did I , that the 1903 serial numbers were a continuation of the Model 1896 numbers. Checking the reference book, The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition, shows that the 1896 and the 1903 had seperate serial number ranges.

 

[T-Bodz]

Big Thanks to the Both of you, Wow ..... I'll clean her up
and go poke some holes in some paper for Grandpa!

Seems to be in good working order ..... will have to go look
for some Ammo now. Better not shoot the rounds he has
with it .. LOL!

Does your catalog advise an estimated value for this Firearm?

 

[DWalt]

The Model of 1896 has a different and more distinctive appearance from a Model of 1903. Yours is the latter.

 

[glowe]

Pictures certainly help. Guess I assumed that the term "grandfather's gun" meant an early model.

 

[T-Bodz]

Thanks Again!

Really appreciate all of the quick responses. At least now I
know what I have, a .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903.
That was probably shipped around 1903.

Amazing! 111 Years Old.... Everything looks to be in working
order. Will get her cleaned up properly.

Are these worth anything these days or not old enough?

Here's some better pics!

[URL=http://s1251.photobucket.com/user/t-bodz/media/6image_zps21e6a70a.jpeg.html] [/URL]
[URL=http://s1251.photobucket.com/user/t-bodz/media/7image_zps301aa482.jpeg.html] [/URL]