Model 74098

[Boardfeet]

I have a 22/32 S&W 6 shot revolver. The model number above came from behind the yoke. The serial number is 472196
Any info you guys could provide on this pistol is much appreciated. This gun has five screws. Four on the side plate and one in the front of the trigger guard.

 

[Green Frog]

Welcome to the S&W Forum. Your 22/32 revolver predates the use of Model Numbers and it was simply referred to as a "22/32" as you have done to indicate a 22 caliber gun on a 32 caliber frame size, or sometimes as a "Heavy Frame Target."

The other number, 74098, was a factory assembly number to keep major parts together during "soft fitting" and is of little use after the completed gun left the factory.

Your example is probably late enough to have recessed chambers, indicating that it was upgraded in strength to take the then-new High Speed ammo, but I would probably take it easy on the old girl and just feed her Standard Velocity stuff if I were shooting it.

The holster looks about contemporary with the gun, but I'm not knowledgeable about old leather, so somebody else will have to tell you more about it.

Froggie

 

[Boardfeet]

I don’t think the chambers are recessed.
Thank you so much for your help..

 

[DCWilson]

The Patridge front sight was introduced on this model in 1923. The double diameter ("mushroom") ejector rod knob was not seen after 1927. Your revolver was probably (but not certainly) shipped toward the end of that range.

 

[Boardfeet]

Thank you Mr. Wilson

 

[Boardfeet]

Adjustable rear sight.

 

[DWalt]

472196 was very likely shipped in the 1928-29 period but it could have been manufactured a bit earlier. The closest I have listed is SN 4922xx which shipped in 4/1929. It is usually called the .22/32 Heavy Frame Target (HFT) revolver. Earlier ones are often called the "Bekeart Model." Phil Bekeart was a San Francisco gun dealer of the early 20th Century who around 1910-11 requested S&W develop a .22 target revolver built on the .32 caliber I-frame. Thence, .22/32. Chambers were not recessed until around 1931, mainly in response to the development of high-velocity .22 LR cartridges.

 

[Boardfeet]

Wow thank you all so much for your information. Any idea as to value, however it is not for sale. I intend to keep it.

 

[JP@AK]

Boardfeet

Regarding the .22/32 Heavy Frame Target revolver (what yours was called when it was made), serial number 423630 shipped in January, 1926, and is configured the way yours is. That is, it has the mushroom shaped extractor rod end and a non-counter-bored cylinder. It was one of 1151 such guns made in 1925.

Yours, being about 48500 numbers higher, probably shipped no earlier than 1927. David is correct that the extractor rod configuration changed in 1927, so it is likely assembly took place that year. But older parts sometimes show up on later guns.

Shipping is often delayed for a while after a gun is put together. Therefore, DWalt's date range could be correct. It takes a letter from the Historical Foundation to know exactly when a particular gun left the factory.

Anyway, that is a nice revolver you have there.

 

[DWalt]

You might look on the Gun Broker auction site for prices on completed sales of HFTs in similar condition. Maybe 6-8 months ago I ran across one of similar age and condition at a gun show with an asking price of $1000. That would be prior to any wheeling and dealing on price, and I thought $1000 was a bit high. If you intend to fire yours, I recommend you use either .22 Short or .22 LR Standard Velocity ammunition, not high speed.

Regarding SNs, the difference in your SN and the SN 492294 I mentioned above, their shipping dates might not be too far apart. The .22/32 HFT was serial numbered in the same series as several other I-frame models which were chambered in .32 S&W Long, and there were many more of those made than HFTs.

 

[Boardfeet]

You guys are a treasure trove of information. I appreciate it so much.
Many thanks to you all.