Need to Identify and Value

[Hank Jr]

Merry Christmas to those who celebrate and Happy Holidays to all the Rest....I obtain this in a trade deal and have search the web and this forum for its identity; between an I frame Terrior and a Baby Chief??...I am confused..based on the flat thumb release and a coil spring for the Hammer thought that was the 60's?...It has a 2 inch barrel and is a 6 shot 32 sw long..there are numbers where a model number should be (see picture) a 1 over 3 69 66 over 9...serial number is 6200XX. with serial number stamped on inside of right grip..The Ampersand on the right side where it is stamped "Made in the USA. and than Smith & Wesson"; has a long loop which is different than most I have seen.. Gun is in excellent condition (almost out of the box condition). Came with 3 ancient speed loaders in leather carry....Letter request to Mr Jinks going out after the holidays....I do appreciate the knowledge this forum presents..

 

[DCWilson]

That's a very collectible postwar .32 Hand Ejector from the early 1950s. It would be proper to call it an improved I-frame, as it has the coil mainspring. You don't see a strain screw toward the bottom of the forestrap; if such a screw were present, it would indicate an early postwar HE (1950-51, as the I-frame revolvers were slow to get back into production after the end of WWII). The strain screw was a necessary part of the spring system that used a flat mainspring. With the coil spring, the tensioning screw became unnecessary.

Probably 1952, I would guess. Fine gun. Good for you.

The Terrier and Chief's Special designations are only for .38 caliber revolvers -- .38 S&W for the former and .38 Special for the latter. The .32s were just called .32 hand ejectors.

EDITED TO ADD: Oops, forgot the value question. At least $400, I would say, and maybe $475-500. It's an in-demand model in pretty good shape. Some places you might get a little more or a little less, as prices vary regionally in the US.

 

[Hank Jr]

That's a very collectible postwar .32 Hand Ejector from the early 1950s. It would be proper to call it an improved I-frame, as it has the coil mainspring. You don't see a strain screw toward the bottom of the forestrap; if such a screw were present, it would indicate an early postwar HE (1950-51, as the I-frame revolvers were slow to get back into production after the end of WWII). The strain screw was a necessary part of the spring system that used a flat mainspring. With the coil spring, the tensioning screw became unnecessary.

Probably 1952, I would guess. Fine gun. Good for you.

The Terrier and Chief's Special designations are only for .38 caliber revolvers -- .38 S&W for the former and .38 Special for the latter. The .32s were just called .32 hand ejectors.

EDITED TO ADD: Oops, forgot the value question. At least $400, I would say, and maybe $475-500. It's an in-demand model in pretty good shape. Some places you might get a little more or a little less, as prices vary regionally in the US.

Mr Wilson I do thank you for the information...Gives me a good starting place in preparation of the Letter/Application to Mr Jinks....Take care....Hank

 

[Hondo44]

Hank,

That's a little sweetheart. My good friend David, above, correctly indicated a "32 Hand Ejector" Model I frame Improved with the coil spring. However, since he has so often helped me see things I've overlooked, I owe him the courtesy of pointing out the large egg shaped trigger guard.

This makes your gun a "Model of 1953" NEW I frame with additional improvements.

The closest # in my database, 637XXX, M1953 32 HE, shipped May 11, 1956. So yours may have shipped in the 1st half of 1956 and probably has 4 screws in the sideplate, including one hidden by the grip since that's an early # for this new model which started at about 613XXX. Or does it have only 3?

I agree with David on the value in such nice condition.

Merry Christmas to and your loved ones,

 

[Hank Jr]

Hank,

That's a little sweetheart. My good friend David, above, correctly indicated a "32 Hand Ejector" Model I frame Improved with the coil spring. However, since he has so often helped me see things I've overlooked, I owe him the courtesy of pointing out the large egg shaped trigger guard.

This makes your gun a "Model of 1953" NEW I frame with additional improvements.

The closest # in my database, 637XXX, M1953 32 HE, shipped May 11, 1956. So yours may have shipped in the 1st half of 1956 and probably has 4 screws in the sideplate, including one hidden by the grip since that's an early # for this new model which started at about 613XXX. Or does it have only 3?

I agree with David on the value in such nice condition.

Merry Christmas to and your loved ones,

Thanks Jim...Woke up to 27 degrees here in Texas this morning...kinda nippy...Merry Christmas to you sir...The gun is a 4 screw and has a very different Ampersand...remember reading somewhere about those, but thought they dated a little further back....As aforesaid...really appreciate you gentlemens knowledge

 

[DCWilson]

Holy cow, Jim, how did I miss that? Talk about straining out gnats and swallowing camels. Or maybe I was affected by that afternoon's ration of Double IPAs and was in no condition to manage the gnat/camel thing even if I had been able to distinguish one from the other.

I shall redouble my commitment to close observation and smarter commentary in the new year. But I still have a couple of bottles left, so maybe not until then. :D

 

[Hondo44]

Every time you mention India Pale Ale, it makes my mouth water. I've got to try it if I can find it.

 

[Green Frog]

Hank, Jr, that little 32 HE is in a neglected class of S&W revolvers... it's a real sweetheart and fun to shoot even with small frame and short barrel. Give it the chance and it will become a favorite companion. Also, it's about the cheapest thing out there to reload for, especially if you cast your own bullets. My flat spring older brother of yours is literally my favorite CCW revolver (among many competitors! ;) ) Congratulations and enjoy it and have a very Merry Christmas.

David & Jim, a cup of holiday cheer is hereby raised to both of you from here on the "Right Coast." May you have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous Happy New Year. We need to "get together" via e-mail to swap lies and catch up on what we are all doing.

Regards,
Froggie

 

[Hondo44]

Thanks Jim...Woke up to 27 degrees here in Texas this morning...kinda nippy...Merry Christmas to you sir...The gun is a 4 screw and has a very different Ampersand...remember reading somewhere about those, but thought they dated a little further back....As aforesaid...really appreciate you gentlemens knowledge

Hank,

The "different Ampersand" that you refer to is actually the original and standard post war style for the 1st 4 line stamping thru the 1950s. They are also seen between Smith and Wesson on barrels and the collector term is 'pregnant ampersand', a very apt moniker.