Pre-model 10 in 32-20

[kraynky]

Here are some additional details:
Barrel is six inches, marked "SMITH & WESSON" on the left side and "32-20 CTG" on the right.
The S&W trade mark is on the left side and "MADE IN U.S.A." is on the right, just forward of the sideplate.
It has late style non-medallion grips.
The serial number is 112644

So,.....old tanker, is it still there, or does it reside with you in Tank Central?

My workload picked up enough that I couldn't get away, today. But if she's still there, I'll go see if she whispers to me tomorrow. LOL! I don't even know how it balances, but my other 6" Ks & Ns set it my hand just right.

I haven't told the Marlin yet, no sense in breaking another heart if it's not available.

I do appreciate all of the info & the help. I've learned some things to look for. Thanks everyone! Such smart folks here, that if you don't learn something everyday, your just not paying attention closely enough.

 

[old tanker]

So,.....old tanker, is it still there, or does it reside with you in Tank Central?

It's found a bunk at the Hardin County Home for Unwed Revolvers. I'd been eyeing for several months but thought it was priced too high before.

Here are some pictures. The case is interesting, in spots where the flocking is bare or the paint is chipped, it appears to be molded from a dark brown phenolic plastic, perhaps Bakelite. The S&W intertwined logo is molded into te lid. The bottom shows area where it is hollowed. It has a pair of brass colored hinges and a simple sliding latch to hold closed.

The story from the consignee is that it is a "salesman's sample case." Regardless, I've not seen one like it before. The cleaning rod, screwdriver and brush look modern, but look nice enough in the case.

The serial number is 112644 and a good stablemate to the 4 inch nickel serial 115128

 

[kraynky]

Are you saying that it's gone now? No need to track over there to see about something no longer available? Just too tired I suppose but I couldn't tell by your reply old tanker.

 

[old tanker]

Yes, it is gone. It is here now to keep this one company.

 

[glowe]

That case has shown up before and has been identified, but I just can't remember what it was used for? I think it was an injected molded Phenolic resin case and the interior was a high density polyurethane solid molded insert. The interior was obviously designed for a specific revolver and I think it looks like a post-WWII N frame. The hammer outline appears to be from a target or High Speed hammer. It was not made for your model revolver, but I do not recall it being a salesman's sample, but cannot come up with an answer right now, maybe someone will comment, since I know there are others out there. As little as 5 years ago, they were showing up on ebay from time to time and sold from ridiculously low prices to ridiculously high prices. I recall from under $100 to $500 range with no particular rhyme or reason.

That is a very nice 32-20 that can be dated from 1925 to 1927, with the caveat that any single gun can vary from the norm by another year or so. I have a 32 W.C.F target that shipped in August 1924 and serial number 110,XXX. Of course on the other end is the fact that the order to change the mushroom knob was done in 1927.

 

[Tom K]

It's been a while. They called my attention to it some time ago as they know I am fond of .32-20s. I believe the case is period to the gun while the accessories are not. If it's not there when you go look, the lower price pushed me off the fence.

Amusing to include a sight adjustment tool with a fixed sight gun.

 

[kraynky]

I'm sure I'll find another, at a better price. Thanks everyone for your help in try to identify it.

Maybe next time I won't lose it to a "helper".

 

[old tanker]

They have what looks like a World War II Stevens M520-30 trench gun hanging on the wall between the AKs and the Henry rifles.

 

[handejector]

Jack

I'm not sure about this comment of yours:

"If the barrel is actually 6", then the gun is no earlier than about 1910."

The 32-20 and the 38 are identical guns, with the exception of caliber, and both were offered in standard barrel lengths of 4, 5, and 6 1/2 inches, with 6" available on special order. The difference between the two guns was only the chambering.

I'm confused about your explanation about 6" and 6-1/2" barrel lengths. The 6-1/2'' was a standard length early in the K frame hand ejectors. My price lists from 1900 into the teens show a 6-1/2" but no 6". By the 1925 catalog, the 6" is shown, but no 6-1/2". N&J, says the 6-1/2" was dropped by the 1905-3rd, but we know they kept using 6-1/2" barrels. I own a 1905-3rd with a 6-1/2".
I am skeptical that 6" would be available on special order when the 6-1/2 " was standard because that would require another forging die.

That case has shown up before and has been identified, but I just can't remember what it was used for? I think it was an injected molded Phenolic resin case and the interior was a high density polyurethane solid molded insert. The interior was obviously designed for a specific revolver and I think it looks like a post-WWII N frame.

Those are often called a "Salesman's Sample Case", but that is not what they were. They were made after WW II for the new K Masterpiece guns. Roy believes the intention was to ship all of the new Masterpieces- K-22, K-32, K-38 in those cases, but the idea was quickly abandoned and only one batch of unknown size was manufactured. They later got out of the Factory via an unknown route. Judging by the number I've seen over the years, there were probably a few hundred made. Some appear to be a very dark metallic blue, others appear to be black.
They are most likely made of a material similar to a very dense form of masonite. They are not plastic. They are probably worth $200 on today's market. I found them easy to sell for $100-125 more than a decade ago.

 

[old tanker]

The S&W revolvers in .32-20 are a joy to shoot. I have one with fixed sights and one with target sights. The fixed sights revolver is virtually mint, and I don't shoot it, but the target revolver is a great shooter.

The companion to mine is a Winchester Model 92. But what you will find is that you really need separate loads for the revolver and the rifle. It's something of a myth that they "shoot the same ammo." Yeah, they will shoot the same ammo, but they have drastically different requirements.

I posted some photos of my combination several years ago here: A Couple of .32-20s at the Range Today

You won't regret buying that revolver, and if you walk away it will haunt you.

Curl

The companion rifles here are a Marlin 27S and Remington Model 25, both from around the mid-Twenties. Like you said, .32-20s are a joy to shoot and the slick little Remington makes just a dandy walking around rifle.

 

[old tanker]

I did some poking around the forum and found more info http://smith-wessonforum.com/138842172-post25.html

The one that came with this revolver is a very dark metallic blue, almost black. In the spots where the paint is chipped it looks an awful lot like the old brown mess hall tray in appearance and texture. What was that phenolic stuff called? Melamine, Melmac, Bakelite?

 

[Walter Rego]

My .32-20 M&P, serial # in the mid-108,000 range shipped on 06/22/1922. It has a 5" barrel and the caliber marking is .32 W.C.F. CTG.
The bore is perfect by the way, no pitting and no bulge.

 

[ssiron96]

The S&W revolvers in .32-20 are a joy to shoot. I have one with fixed sights and one with target sights. The fixed sights revolver is virtually mint, and I don't shoot it, but the target revolver is a great shooter.

The companion to mine is a Winchester Model 92. But what you will find is that you really need separate loads for the revolver and the rifle. It's something of a myth that they "shoot the same ammo." Yeah, they will shoot the same ammo, but they have drastically different requirements.

I posted some photos of my combination several years ago here: A Couple of .32-20s at the Range Today

You won't regret buying that revolver, and if you walk away it will haunt you.

Curl

I've got an early Winchester single shot lever action rifle in 32-20. The original barrel is marked 32 WCF. The original barrel was severely worn and I had it relined. Nice shooting pre 1900,s rifle. I've always been interested in finding a matching revolver. The story on the rifle purchased new by my great-great Grand Father, He supposed to have purchased the rifle and reloading tools, a revolver in the same caliber. I don't know where the pistol has gone. The rifle has been passed down to the oldest Grand Son. I was unaware of the different 32-20 loads? What do I need to know about finding any loaded for pistol use?

 

[Art66]

I'm sure I'll find another, at a better price. Thanks everyone for your help in try to identify it.

Maybe next time I won't lose it to a "helper".

Yes, I would be a little "steamed" in that situation! Next time don't mention the price they are asking, just ask what a fair price would be for the gun...

By the way, no big surprise, but the Santa Clara County California D.A. declared gun stores are a non essential business and shall be closed during the pandemic shelter-in-place. So no ammo sales, no shopping for old revolvers/rifles!
Stay safe everyone, wear a mask when you go out...

 

[merl67]

I'm sure I'll find another, at a better price. Thanks everyone for your help in try to identify it.

Maybe next time I won't lose it to a "helper".

I am always careful when asking for info on a potential buy, yes there is always a chance someone will pick up on the location, and buy it out from under you that's the chance you take when asking for help.