Old Family item, please ID

upenn62

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This pistol has been in my family since I was a boy and I am 78. I would like to sell it or trade towards a new pistol. I have never fired it and do not know the caliber. I hope the pictures show up. Please give me a value. The grips are a trifle loose. The action is tight, it cocks nicely, and trigger pull is crisp. I am not sure if I can legally mail this and would go to local Cabela's to see about trading. All advice appreciated. Many Thanks
 

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Welcome to the Forum. You have what is called a 32 Single Action revolver. These were manufactured from 1878 to 1892. With the serial number, we could estimate the shipping date. I am almost certain that the stocks are not original. They are an odd grey color and do not look like the factory pearl stocks.

It looks like the nickel finish is original, but seems dull in the pictures. There were almost 100,000 of these revolvers made and they come up for sale often. The 32 S&W caliber revolver is no longer manufactured, but ammo is still made today. As for value, the pictures do not give enough detail to be completely accurate. Condition is the primary determining factor in what that gun is worth. I would be comfortable in giving it a range of $250 to $350 if the finish is all original and over 90% remaining.
 
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The SN is hard to read, especially last 2 number: 62486. The finish is original, the mechanism tight, no one in my family has fired it. If I sell this online is it legal for me to mail it? I live in Allen, TX North of Plano. I would like to sell to a collector as my sons have no interest and it will be lost. Thanks for reply, all advice welcome.
 
Yes, as it is pre-1899, you can sell this without paperwork and ship to a purchaser. Others will chime in, I am sure, about the best means of shipping this revolver once sold. As for selling this one, I would post this for sale in the firearms for sale section of this forum.
 
. . . you can sell this without paperwork and ship to a purchaser . . .

I have read that you cannot ship these to Washington, but not sure the details of the new laws are worked out yet. The database has hardly any examples in the 62XXX range, so the best I can do is estimate shipping around the mid-to-late 1880s.
 
. . . you can sell this without paperwork and ship to a purchaser . . .

I have read that you cannot ship antique handguns directly to a buyer in Washington, but not sure the details of the new laws are worked out yet. The database has hardly any examples in the 62XXX range, so the best I can do is estimate shipping around the mid-to-late 1880s.
 
I'm in McKinney. You can sell it to me face to face if that makes it easier for you. Let the board tell you a sales price...I don't think cabelas will give you much for it.

ebeeby-at-swbell.net
 
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Thanks ebeeby I want to post on other sites and determine going value. I also took better photos and need to figure how to post them here. I don't see how yet and I think my limit is 5. These are much better as I RTFM (!) and clicked right button for closeups!
 
. . . I also took better photos and need to figure how to post them here. I don't see how yet and I think my limit is 5 . . .

You can add 5 images per post. Just open another reply to this thread and post 5 more pictures. Also, check Gunbroker for closed auctions. You can see what these spur triggers are actually selling for. Go to Acvance Search, sign in and search in completed auctions. It is important to do your own research since you have the gun in your hands and can look for comparable sales online. With just images, it is often difficult to pinpoint condition and value.
 
Also refered to as the Model 1&1/2 CF (center fire) your gun looks to be in much better than average finish. The plating did not hold up well on these guns. The grips are not factory.
Value I think is between $250 and $300 depending on a closer inspection of bore and chamber condition, among other things. It is made to shoot the .32 S&W cartridge. Sometimes refered to as the short because in 1896 S&W introduced there first hand ejecter in the .32 S&W long chambering.
 
One thing to keep in mind is that the prices quoted are Full Retail. As Cabela's is notorious for lowballing on trade ins or used firearms you can expect them to offer about 25% of the lower end of the price range. This means that offer will be in the 60-65 dollar range, which is why so many are advising you list it here or sell it to a member. BTW, normal Wholesale on commodities like used firearms is typically 40% of Retail so selling to any dealer will likely mean a price significantly less than full Retail.
 
I cleaned the barrel and cylinders and all is very fine. No corrosion lands grooves sharp. It has been stored in dressers under clothing etc. I took new photos having RTFM for close ups and hope to post those photos now. I don't see the paper clip icon
 
BETTER Photos

Please review these closer and hopefully more detailed photos. I want to sell this pistol to a collector who appreciates it. It is time for me to pass my guns on now. Suggest a fair asking price and I will list it. Many Thanks
 

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Buyer

I'm in McKinney. You can sell it to me face to face if that makes it easier for you. Let the board tell you a sales price...I don't think cabelas will give you much for it.

ebeeby-at-swbell.net

There is your buyer sounds like!
 
Thanks for adding more pictures. It is now obvious that the finish, while mostly there, but is uniformly abraded to the point that it lost its gloss. Nickel plating should yield a mirror finish and over time a gun that is carried in a vest pocket or used often will show the effects of age. There some nickel loss on top strap, but overall, you have a sound revolver.

Let me give you an example of how condition affects value. I had a 32 SA that had a mirror finish, about 100%, except for a spiral ring on the cylinder where someone removed the cylinder without holding the barrel catch up. The value of a 100% 32 SA would easily approach $1000, but mine sold for $500, because of that single defect. In my opinion, your revolver would sell for between $250 and $300.
 
I have read that you cannot ship these to Washington, but not sure the details of the new laws are worked out yet. The database has hardly any examples in the 62XXX range, so the best I can do is estimate shipping around the mid-to-late 1880s.

You can ship from FFL dealer to gun dealer (FFL) in Washington, but then seller and buyer are supposed to be present. Common sense would dictate out of state seller wouldn't have to be present and FFL dealer could step in, but common sense in Washington is like Hen's teeth. Buyer must undergo Background Check and pay sales tax and fee for the check. At present suggested fee for background check is $40. As you posted, the law is passed but the details are still kind of sketchy.
 
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Go to AMF- Antique and Modern Firearms website. S&W 1 1/2 single action Cal .32 S&W short sold $995.00. The abrasion mentioned is only on the line edge of two surfaces. This has sat safely from use, moisture, and abuse for over 140 + or- years. I want a good price and safe place for this item..please make suggestions. I have not taken it apart to clean dust and oil areas and will not. The barrel and cylinders are clean, sharp, fresh looking.
 
Go to AMF- Antique and Modern Firearms website. S&W 1 1/2 single action Cal .32 S&W short sold $995.00.

I found this gun down near the bottom of the list, and for the life of me don't know why it sold for so much. It appears to be in good shape, and the doeskin "holster" may or may not be a Smith & Wesson item. I have the identical gun (pictured) for which I paid $450. It appears to be unfired (see recoil shield) and came with a doeskin sheath, which looks very different and doesn't have the snap.
 

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