Model 1896 .32 Hand Ejector

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I was just given this gun by my grandfather. It was apparently bought new by my great-great-great grandfather. Does anyone have an idea what year the gun would have been manufactured. The SN is 9551. due to its well-used condition, I’m considering having the gun gone through and refinished. I don’t care about the monetary value as I’ll be keeping the gun. Would that be something worth doing? TIA
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Does that right stock panel say "COLT"?
Yeah. At some point the grip must’ve broken or gotten lost and apparently Colt had one very similar so that’s what went back on it. You almost hate to see a Colt grip on a S&W but it’s probably been on there close to 100 years
 
I think keeping the gun in original condition would be better as a reminder of your great-great-great grandfather. "Gone through" and refinished would be a sacrilege in my opinion.

Extremely fair. My main goal is to ensure it is in good condition once it reaches my great-great-great grandchild and so on. Which I guess there are much better ways of accomplishing that.
 
I totally agree with alwslate. Unless it was in what it's commonly called "relic condition," I would clean it up (no wire brush, or sandpaper!) and put it in a nice display case with a note telling its history. For an example of "relic condition" (which varies) take a look at the attached picture.
 

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Extremely fair. My main goal is to ensure it is in good condition once it reaches my great-great-great grandchild and so on. Which I guess there are much better ways of accomplishing that.
As said above a good scrubbing and oiling will keep it in good condition for your grandchild. Probably not a good idea to try to restore it to being a reliable shooter.
 
Welcome! Your revolver is named, as you say, a Model 1896. They were made from 1896 to 1903, with 19712 made. All frames were manufactured before 1899, so it is an antique. Your revolver would have shipped from the factory around 1898. This was the first solid frame revolver made by S&W and it was an I frame gun, followed by the Model 1903.

A factory historical letter is the first thing you should do for your family. Will tell you all about the model and where and when the gun was shipped. Check with the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation. Letters – Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation

The only thing I would do is find a pair of original I frame (1903) stocks. They can be found on Vintage Gun Grips, or better yet, on ebay where you could find a well worn set that would sell cheap and be appropriate for your revolver. S&W Hand Ejector .32 Grips - Vintage Gun Grips

I wanted to add that I may be older than you, but checking my family tree I find that my great-great-great-grandfathers were born around 1800, so hardly any of them were still alive when that revolver was sold in 1898. A person could also have been around 30 years old to even afford to buy such a gun.
 
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Welcome to the Forum! I believe that glowe provided you with quite a bit of information about your Model 1896 .32 HE. Like you, I am often tempted to restore vintage items (including firearms) but sometimes they are best left as they are. Your family heirloom definitely shows some hard use, but that's just part of its history. A good gentle cleaning with some Flitz Polish or Mother's Mag Wheel Polish and a microfiber cloth, followed by a light oiling and some wax should really help preserve your revolver. You might even consider popping off the right side plate to clean the old grease, oil, and dirt from the innards. I think that getting some matching S&W stocks, even reproductions, would be a good idea. Good luck, and enjoy!
 
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