K32 S&W revolver?

[english]

A few days ago I picked up a beautiful K32 S&W revolver. The condition is superb : wooden grips, finish, 6 in. barrel. Just a nice looking pistol. I don't collect Smiths just Colts. From the little information provided can someone give me the approximate time frame for production and value?
Thanks, # K671XX When I have a chance, I will post pictures.
Joe

 

[beagleye]

Serial number and pictures will be helpful.

 

[Muley Gil]

We need the serial number from the butt. I presume it has a "K" prefix.

Pictures would be very helpful.

 

[DWalt]

Re: K671XX It likely shipped early in 1949. I show other K-32s in that general SN range from that time.

 

[english]

DWalt, Thanks for the time frame. I figured it would be late 40s. The finish is comparable to the early Colt finishes. Very nicely finished!

 

[DWalt]

You have a prize. If you post a few good pictures you will get responses about value. K-32s are on everyone's want list.

 

[DCWilson]

Hard to find a high-end early K-32 Masterpiece for less than three grand; asking prices are usually higher. With that serial number yours would be a desirable five-screw narrow-rib model and might bring even more. I agree early 1949 is the likely time frame, but if it cooled its heels in inventory for a while it could have shipped several months later.

This is a long shot, but does it have the large prewar ejector knob? Those are almost never seen on a K-32, but one turned up on a gun with a serial number near yours not long ago. If yours is a LERK gun, you can pretty much name your price and still be forced to choose between buyers.

We'd all love to see pics.

 

[english]

DWalt, They must have changed the picture format. I can't seem to upload pictures. Can I send pictures to you and you upload pictures? or explain how to do it?
Joe

 

[english]

pictures

Pictures of S&W

 

[murphydog]

As David mentioned above, an early tapered barrel/narrow rib K-32. Most of these have the extractor rod (knurled) end with the same diameter as the rest of the length, but some very early ones had a large-ended version. This feature was nearly phased out at the start of K-32 production after the war and is therefore an unusual finding - yours looks to have the more common type but the photo isn't clear on that detail.

If you are a Colt collector, this is fine way to start your Smith collection . Also, if you think this one has an impressive finish, get into either 1930s or mid-'50s S & Ws for some truly spectacular blue jobs (think Python level). Hope this is helpful.

 

[glowe]

It is always nice to see a K32 Masterpiece. I wanted to know if the right diamond stock has a matching serial number? It seems to me that the style of stocks on your revolver are later, supposedly not introduced until the 1950s??

 

[english]

I removed the grips and they are numbered to the pistol.

 

[glowe]

Thanks for the information. The reason I asked is that some of the experts on the Forum have stated that the rounded edges of the stock top section were not availailble until 1952-1953. The standard stock of the late 1940s was supposed to be sharp edged Magna stocks.

My reference is found on a 1948 Masterpiece bottom revolver in attached picture.

 

[Isis1200L]

If you are a Colt collector, this is fine way to start your Smith collection .

Yeah, what murphydog said!! Very very nice.
Make even nudge me to update my "wanted list".

 

[k22fan]

LERK

english,
I'm curious how you found your new gem. It's an exceptional revolver.

[...] If yours is a LERK gun, you can pretty much name your price and still be forced to choose between buyers. [...]

Please spell out "LERK". This acronym has been popping up lately. I can only guess it means something like highly desirable.

 

[Green Frog]

LERK = "Large Ejector Rod Knob"

A frequent LERKer.
Green Frog

 

[DWalt]

There were three main types of S&W extractor knob styles:

1902-1927 - Mushroom shaped knob
1927-1947 - Barrel shaped knob (ended about the 2nd quarter of 1947) aka LERK.
Post-1947 - No knob, just a knurled extractor knob tip. Also found on earler (pre-1947) 2" barreled M&Ps.

 

[Göring's S&W]

1902-1927 - Mushroom shaped knob
1927-1947 - Barrel shaped knob (ended about the 2nd quarter of 1947) aka LERK.
Post-1947 - No knob, just a knurled extractor knob tip. Also found on earler (pre-1947) 2" barreled M&Ps.

FWIW, there was a separate type of extractor knob for the S&W 1899 which was changed for the model of 1902.

 

[k22fan]

So if I understand correctly forum rules strictly prohibit LERKing at young girls? Seriously, I deduced LERK by its context within a thread not too long ago but I forgot. Thanks for the quick refresher. IMO a LERK hardly qualifies as a knob so LERE (end) is more accurate. Too bad S&W completely discontinued their "mushroom" knob. They were both classy and functional. I'd rather pay additional for them on high end models than pay for an unmentionable modern feature.

 

[english]

I'm curious. Does anyone know the production history or just the history of this particular pistol. To me that's a strange caliber for a 1949 or 50 pistol. When I was first aware this sale, I figured the time period was the 20s or 30s like a Colt Police Positive 32 long, 32 S&W. Do they still make the ammo for this pistol so it can be shot? I will post detailed pictures this weekend.
Thanks for any information,
english