My newest and oldest revolver

[SouthNarc]

I’ve been on the hunt for a high condition blued .32 Safety Hammerless for some time and hit pay dirt on the big auction site. This sample is pretty flawless and I’m not sure it’s ever been fired looking at the bore and strike face. Lovely little wheel gun that will have a place right next to a nickeled one just like it. According to Dr. Jinks this one shipped July of 1903 officially making it the oldest in my collection and unarguably one of the nicest.

 

[SouthNarc]

A few more pics

 

[bigmtnman]

That is definitely a honey. I bought one (nickel) with the box years ago. The box was squashed and the factory pearls were "chunk chipped". Your near mint example is again.....a real HONEY

 

[STCM(SW)]

I like it, but it's something I would not want as I like guns you can shoot....

 

[SouthNarc]

I like it, but it's something I would not want as I like guns you can shoot....

Oh I can shoot it! Just doubtful that I will.

 

[SouthNarc]

That is definitely a honey. I bought one (nickel) with the box years ago. The box was squashed and the factory pearls were "chunk chipped". Your near mint example is again.....a real HONEY

You sir should make some nice stag stocks for these little guns!

 

[paplinker]

It's amazing peopled have owned that gun for over 121 years and it still looks like that. Certainly a gun worthy to be prominent in your collection.

 

[SouthNarc]

It's amazing peopled have owned that gun for over 121 years and it still looks like that. Certainly a gun worthy to be prominent in your collection.

It always floors me to find samples this age in this condition. I think that's one of the joy's of focusing on pre-war stuff.

 

[TheTinMan]

That is a lovely revolver! Nice catch

 

[22hipower]

Nice, very nice. Probably the nicest one I've seen, and with the box too. Great find! Mine might have a few more miles on it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2qs17JD https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[Retired W4]

Wow! That is one fine New Departure. A while ago someone brought in this 32 and a nickel ND with a really nice box. I never got a chance to bring the New Departure home and take pictures. Someone bought it before the show was over. I owned this little 32 for a short while. I wish I had kept both.

 

[H Richard]

There's just "something" about the little 32 New Departures. I had put together a small collection of them, plus a 2" back when I was actively collecting.

 

[PALADIN85020]

Those little guns do have a certain charm. When I encountered this .32 "sock drawer special" made in 1921, I could not resist. You have a very nice specimen - take good care of that clean relic from a bygone era - they are getting way scarcer now.

John

 

[glowe]

The real shame of these pristine classic revolvers is that they are not valued where they should be. I have owned three nickel 32 Safety revolvers in almost new condition that I purchased for $300 each back in 2014. Ten years later, one example is a 32 Safety, #217963 that sold a year ago for $380 at GB auction. The other two sold for $395 and $365 after ten years in my collection.

 

[SouthNarc]

The real shame of these pristine classic revolvers is that they are not valued where they should be. I have owned three nickel 32 Safety revolvers in almost new condition that I purchased for $300 each back in 2014. Ten years later, one example is a 32 Safety, #217963 that sold a year ago for $380 at GB auction. The other two sold for $395 and $365 after ten years in my collection.

Why do you think that is Gary? I love them and am willing to pay for a pristine example personally.

 

[glowe]

I believe it is all about the number of collectors out there interested in this type of revolver. Low numbers of interested buyers equals low prices. Safety revolvers are a niche market, never as popular as hammer revolvers.

There are several reasons for the limited appeal for this model. First of all, it is a very anemic caliber and only a 5 shot cylinder. The 32 S&W will bounce off heavy leather, so not popular for any purpose other than collecting. 32 S&W ammunition is not readily available for purchase. The Safety can only be fired in double action mode, limiting its accuracy so therefore never been considered an accurate gun. Lastly, they made a quarter-million and a huge amount of them ended up in bedroom dresser drawers, mainly because of their limited utility. Dug out of estates and grandparents homes in large numbers, in high condition.

My grandfather had a little 32 S&W hammer revolver on the farm and said it was OK for rats, but it only made the raccoons mad when shot. I have that revolver and would not sell it at any price.

 

[oldcorps76]

I had one of those, hammer version, .32 S&W, that I bought from a New Jersey gun shop in like 1973. Used to shoot it in my basement at a box stuffed with newspaper...or just into the drywall. Dad was not pleased as he slathered wetmix into a wall that looked like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre.

 

[max503]

I normally don't get off on gun porn but thank you for posting those pictures. Those stocks are exquisite (except Patton would take you for a New Orleans pimp). The whole gun is. You are very lucky to have it.

Me. I'd shoot it. I'd shoot it because I'd never sell it and someone has to enjoy it. Might as well be me.

I've been shooting my 1958 Model 18.

 

[JimFr]

I have the same gun but in 38 S&W . . .
I load the common 38 caliber 148 grain Wad Cutter hollow base, BUT . . . .
I seat the bullet BACKWARDS!
It makes for a VICIOUS-LOOKING hollow point that “strikes fear” into any object that the muzzle is pointed towards!!

Has anyone ever seen this New Departure with the 6” barrel?
I’m thinking this to be quite scarce!

 

[gunbarrel]

VERY NICE, Craig--what a beauty! Congratulations! I love the Safety Hammerless revolvers, and I have a few. Personally, I'm glad that there are still collectible S&W's handguns that don't cost an arm and a leg. I don't shoot mine because I prefer to shoot a newer gun. I don't want to steal your thunder; so, I will not show mine on your post. I will, in the near future, though. Make sure the stocks screw is not on tight to prevent cracking the MOP stocks. Should you decide to shoot it, buy a set of inexpensive NC Ordnance repros. They look good, and in my experience they fit well.