Model 1913 .35 and Model 32

[M_conrad_0311]

I have always liked the Model 1913 in .35 auto. The Model 32 is a little more streamlined. They are both great looking pistols. I have not taken this .32 to the range yet. I had only read about both of the early S & W automatics. I have enjoyed learning about each of them. They are both pretty cool little sidearms. I just thought I would share a couple of photos of my 32. I haven't seen many posts about either, what are your thoughts on the the early semi-automatics?

 

[rct269]

My first thought came to be at the (also) first (??) NRA Collectors Arms Show (Nashville) a loooooooong time ago. I'm pretty sure that was also when I bought a copy of the first Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson---from a table just inside the door, piled high with the books I'd never even heard of before ---so far, so good.

The first thought was this little pistol must be made of gold encrusted with diamonds to fetch a price perilously close to $4000-----but I'd never seen one before---and now that I think about it, I've never seen one since (until now)-----and that one there is NOT TOO SHABBY!!

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Goony]

I've had a Model of 1913 for many years (photo below). It hasn't proven to be any great investment. Despite their relative rarity, nowadays the price they fetch isn't all that much. The Rock Island Auction Co. sold a decent one just this February: Smith & Wesson Model of 1913 .35 Semi-Automatic Pistol | Rock Island Auction

 

[DWalt]

I assume that you probably know that those owning .35s usually fire .32 ACP ammunition in them. Very minor dimensional differences between the cartridges, and .35 rounds are strictly collector items and very expensive.

The last .35 pistol I saw was at a gun show maybe 6-7 years ago. Fairly low condition but probably fireable. I think the guy wanted around $400 for it. I was tempted but did not buy it. Back in the 1980s I had a fairly sizable collection of U. S. made .32 and .380 pocket pistols. One of the few I did not have was a S&W .35.

 

[SWSC]

The last Amoskeag auction in April 2023,
Lot 4 scarce 1913 auto nickel sold w/premium $2467
Lot 267 excellent 32 auto sold w/premium $ 3055

 

[PALADIN85020]

I have a Model 1913 and had some original ammo for it. Most of it fired OK but there were a few duds.

John

 

[EPP]

"New" to me 1913-7th version, got a S&W letter with it stating it shipped Sept.16, 1917 along with an extra magazine, empty original Winchester .35 cal box, five rounds of original .35 cal ammo, and an odd pocket holster made for it. Bore shines like new.

 

[Model19man]

I have a Model 1913 and had some original ammo for it. Most of it fired OK but there were a few duds.

John

I would pull the bullets, dump the powder and replace the primers and powder in all those. It's a good box of ammo but duds are not going to make it.

 

[murphydog]

Cool guns (posted 8 1/2 months ago).

My recollection of the .35 Auto round is it was metal-tipped, with a lead bearing surface to be easier on the barrel.

The later of the two was called the .32 Semi-automatic pistol, model of 1924. The "model" 32 was of course the .38/32 Terrier, after 1957.

 

[DWalt]

Cool guns (posted 8 1/2 months ago).

My recollection of the .35 Auto round is it was metal-tipped, with a lead bearing surface to be easier on the barrel..

That is correct. The bullet was metal capped with a lead bearing surface. So were the bullets used in the early .38-44 loads. Early S&W barrel steel alloys were softer and S&W apparently believed lead bullets were necessary to reduce barrel wear.