Help on Value, 32 HE, Pre war-Post war

[Retired W4]

We are restricted from a "make offer" in the classifieds here but I am considering selling this gun with very unusual, dare I say RARE, features and because of that I really don't know what it is worth. I picked it up several years ago in a partial trade for my Westley Richards Best Quality Sidelock, 20 ga. and that makes it even more difficult, for me, because it's hard to say what I actually paid for it. Hondo44 says it has so many pure pre-war features, like the 2nd style side plate without the sliding hammer block, etc. but it has the 4 line address. The invoice shows it was not shipped until June 24, 1949. The 32 SWL just was not that popular then.

I have read discussions about valuing rare configuration guns here and I have my own opinions on the subject, however I'm still stumped as to where to start.
I'm honestly not trying to skirt the forum rules, I just need some valuation help and looking through internet sites has not produced satisfactory results.

Jim says this is not a Post war Transitional but a true Pre war-Post war gun. look closely at the features, like the pre-war grips, ejector rod and thumb latch, etc. and you will notice the pre/post war features. Thank you for any help you collectors can provide.

 

[Model19man]

Personally I think rarity and value have little to do with one another. You have a revolver chambered in 32 long with fixed sights. It's rare because no one wanted one then. It is a rarity, granted, but that may not be enough to attract people with money.


I think given its condition it might be worth $800 - $950. It may be hard to sell at that price.

 

[Retired W4]

that's an interesting take. Thank you.

Any divergent ideas/

 

[raljr1]

I love 32s, but there isn't anything there that is special enough to make it worth more than any other nice 32 HE. You would have to find THE guy who is charged up by the cross polination of features. I think the aforementioned price is not out of line. Nice 32 HEs seem to be bringing close to that
My humble opinion.

Robert

 

[Wiregrassguy]

It is basically a pre-war .32 HE. So, I would price it like that. I don't think it is worth anywhere close to $800 but, then, I'm used to buying .32 HE's and RP's in the $200-300 range...maybe $400 for a higher condition RP. YMMV.

 

[raljr1]

Here are two I purchased earlier this year I am in to the snub for for $787 and the 3 inch for $675, snub bought locally, the other online. $400 RP 32s, in nice shape ,are gone forever.

 

[Hondo44]

That is such a nice example and the hardest to find of the post war .32 HEs. But it takes a true collector of all the 5 post war pre model .32s to truly appreciate its significance. I never did find one when I was still collecting those .32s, in fact I didn't even know it existed at the time.

So you need to find someone who will appreciate it's rarity and recognizes that it's worth more than a pre war or a post war transitional in the same condition. Of course the best place to find that person as you know, is right here on this forum's classifieds. So I would not start at less than $1000 especially in the current market!

Be sure to list all the pre war features; Barrel knob extractor rod, 'double pinch' thumb piece, side plate safety (no sliding bar), round top grips with sharp cornered checkering borders and flat, flush silver medallions.

I'd really like to know that you and 'that person' find each other.

 

[shown50]

I don’t collect 32s but

I asked myself this same question when I fell into a nickel 38s&w 6 screw Terrier. How do you value something that would be considered rare or hard to find to us but unnoticed by the general gun crowd? I still haven’t figured it out and one of the reasons I’ve still got the Terrier.

With gun prices having been so high over the last few years it feels like $700-900 is a good place to start for your 32 imo. But in my area a 32 is a hard sale in general, then you add on the minutia of transition changes, along with what seems to be a slowly falling used gun market and you may have to wait to find the right buyer. Having said that I think the condition of the 32 will help with the sale, it’s a beautiful gun.

 

[gmarshall99]

We are restricted from a "make offer" in the classifieds here but I am considering selling this gun with very unusual, dare I say RARE, features and because of that I really don't know what it is worth. I picked it up several years ago in a partial trade for my Westley Richards Best Quality Sidelock, 20 ga. and that makes it even more difficult, for me, because it's hard to say what I actually paid for it. Hondo44 says it has so many pure pre-war features, like the 2nd style side plate without the sliding hammer block, etc. but it has the 4 line address. The invoice shows it was not shipped until June 24, 1949. The 32 SWL just was not that popular then.

I have read discussions about valuing rare configuration guns here and I have my own opinions on the subject, however I'm still stumped as to where to start.
I'm honestly not trying to skirt the forum rules, I just need some valuation help and looking through internet sites has not produced satisfactory results.

Jim says this is not a Post war Transitional but a true Pre war-Post war gun. look closely at the features, like the pre-war grips, ejector rod and thumb latch, etc. and you will notice the pre/post war features. Thank you for any help you collectors can provide.

Will you list the serial number?

 

[raljr1]

Will you list the serial number?

the number on the grips looks like 435787.

 

[Retired W4]

Will you list the serial number?

All matching numbers: 535787.

 

[Retired W4]

That is such a nice example and the hardest to find of the post war .32 HEs. But it takes a true collector of all the 5 post war pre model .32s to truly appreciate its significance. I never did find one when I was still collecting those .32s, in fact I didn't even know it existed at the time.

So you need to find someone who will appreciate it's rarity and recognizes that it's worth more than a pre war or a post war transitional in the same condition. Of course the best place to find that person as you know, is right here on this forum's classifieds. So I would not start at less than $1000 especially in the current market!

Be sure to list all the pre war features; Barrel knob extractor rod, 'double pinch' thumb piece, side plate safety (no sliding bar), round top grips with sharp cornered checkering borders and flat, flush silver medallions.

I'd really like to know that you and 'that person' find each other.

I realize this gun would be coveted by that collector who needs it to fill the gap in their collection of 32 HEs of the WW II period. There are not many people who would appreciate the historical significance and rarity of this piece. I certainly did not until I researched it here. When it was offered to me at OGCA I just thought it was a very nice, early 32 HE. OGCA is also where I found my Model 16 (no dash). I have been a member for many years and I get up there a couple times a year. I have family and friends in Dayton so I always have a place to stay.

 

[Green Frog]

To me, the “un-improved” pre War I frame 32s are fun shooters and are attractive for this utility and their low price, not for their collectibility. You know the perverse nature of collectors, they’re hot to get just about everything except what we have for sale,
Froggie