Help identifying this .32 hand ejector

[Kitgunlover]

I am new to this forum and I recently just acquired this pistol for an old 15-1. It doesn't seem to have any model number on it and I thought maybe you experts could shed some light on the value and type of this piece.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! It looks to be an early postwar .32 Hand Ejector. Can you post the first part of the serial number (like 123xxx), and does the right side and mechanical condition look the same as the left side?

 

[Kitgunlover]

5384** is the serial and yes the other side looks to be in in identical condition. There is some slight pitting on the back sight ramp. Any other details, I'd be glad to share.

 

[DCWilson]

Welcome to the forum. S&W did not offer two inch barrels on their .32 I-frame revolvers until after WWII. The gun's features other than the short barrel suggest that it is one of the earliest postwar I-frames, which means it probably shipped in 1949 or 1950. The hard rubber grips may not be original because they don't seem to fit very well down at the bottom front of the grip frame, but I could be reading too much into that.

Serial number between 534600 and 550000? Just guessing.

Easily a $400 gun, maybe $500. Two inch .32s are uncommon and in demand. Early ones get a value kick.

EDITED TO ADD: Ah, serial number appeared as I was composing and posting. Thanks. Other guns with somewhat nearby numbers were shipped in the second half of 1949.

 

[Kitgunlover]

Thank you guys very much. Sounds like something I am going to hold onto. Unless I find an early model 34 2in .22. I love little revolvers pre-lock of course.

 

[Green Frog]

Let me add my words of welcome also. That specific variant is the one that turned me from a casual accumulator of odd Smiths to having a "mission" to collect the early post-War variants. I use mine as my daily CCW and probably shoot it as often as any revolver I own. I don't remember seeing the black, hard rubber grips on post-War guns, but if they are original to the gun, yours add another layer of interest. I don't know what you had in your "old 15-1" but I think my friend David has pretty well nailed the value of your 32 HE. Congratulations on a good find, but be careful, some of us have found the little I-frames to be very addictive!

Froggie