Recent purchase 22/32

[larryofcc]

I just bought, and am awaiting delivery, on a 22/32 from around WW1 era.
Pics show the revolver to have a somewhat dull finish. Is this the original wartime finish or a bad photo? Does not appear to be bright blue. Kind of dull. Family owned since purchase when new. Thanks, Big Larry

 

[model3sw]

The pre-war (meaning WWII) S&Ws were finished with great preparation and care. The pre-war S&Ws are coveted for the fine fit and finish. It is supposed to be (what would come to be called in the post-war era as) "Bright" blue finish. If I recall correctly, one of the few exceptions were the M1917 US Army had somewhat of a matte, non-reflective, finish. The 22/32 was surely a bright finish.

 

[Masterpiece]

The 22/32 was surely a bright finish.

Larry,

Not all Pre-War Revolvers were produced having the Bright Pre-War Finish... Yours most likely dates to being an Early Post WWI 22/32 Target...The finish on these just after the war up into the Early 20's is exactly as you are describing so it's most likely correct!!

 

[smithrjd]

My 22/32 from 1916 is bright blue if that is any help. A K38 I have from '53 is more of a satin blue finish. Most pre 20's 22/32 HFT's I've seen are bright blue.

 

[Hondo44]

Great acquisition. The serial # or partial # and if there are medallions in the grips will help us date it for you.

And photos when you get it or from the auction will help answer the finish issue.

 

[model3sw]

Larry,

Not all Pre-War Revolvers were produced having the Bright Pre-War Finish... Yours most likely dates to being an Early Post WWI 22/32 Target...The finish on these just after the war up into the Early 20's is exactly as you are describing so it's most likely correct!!

Let me clarify, the phrase "pre-war" translates to pre WWII. At least translates that way by all of the collectors I know (as pre-WWII). I clarified that in my original response.

 

[JSR III]

With the .22/32 HFT first coming out in 1911 it could be prewar WWI or WW2.

When the K 22 was introduced in the 1930's it more or less spelled the end of the I frame 6" .22/32's and most examples in my database in the late 30's are actually the 4" kit guns.

Do the stocks have gold medallions, no medallions or silver medallions? Is it stamped Made in USA? Is the last patent date 09 or 14? Short of the serial number, these answers can help us narrow it down somewhat.

 

[larryofcc]

With the .22/32 HFT first coming out in 1911 it could be prewar WWI or WW2.

When the K 22 was introduced in the 1930's it more or less spelled the end of the I frame 6" .22/32's and most examples in my database in the late 30's are actually the 4" kit guns.

Do the stocks have gold medallions, no medallions or silver medallions? Is it stamped Made in USA? Is the last patent date 09 or 14? Short of the serial number, these answers can help us narrow it down somewhat.

# 435642, with no medallions on the two screw target stocks. It does have the Made in USA. Small logo left side. Appears to have the double cut for the ejector rod. Hard to tell in the poor photo's. Also has the Patridge front sight. I have no further info. Gun won't be here for another week or so. I will report back. Thanks all for the info. Big Larry

 

[JSR III]

I don't have any examples in my database starting with 435XXX but most around that number starting with 428 or 441 shipped in 1926.

 

[larryofcc]

I don't have any examples in my database starting with 435XXX but most around that number starting with 428 or 441 shipped in 1926.

I figure early 30's. I will letter it when I get around to lettering a couple more revolvers I have. Thanks, Big Larry

 

[larryofcc]

Picture 22/32

Here is a picture of the gun in question. Looks a little dull to me, but the quality of the photo is not all that good. The grip adapter will be the first thing to go when I get the gun. Big Larry

 

[JSR III]

I do not show any shipped in 1930 until they reach the 496XXX range. From the photo it appears to have the medium extractor rod knob and those don't show up until the late 20's and the very high 400's.

Be interesting to see if the gun has matching serial numbers or any indication of a factory return. Finish is consistent with the ones in my collection. (shown in my avatar) Click on the photo and it should enlarge, click again on it and it will enlarge once more.

 

[larryofcc]

I do not show any shipped in 1930 until they reach the 496XXX range. From the photo it appears to have the medium extractor rod knob and those don't show up until the late 20's and the very high 400's.

Be interesting to see if the gun has matching serial numbers or any indication of a factory return. Finish is consistent with the ones in my collection. (shown in my avatar)

James, the only serial number I can see by the sellers photo's is the cylinder which is the non recessed type. It was a family gun bought back in the day. No one knows for sure. I may get the gun next week if all goes as planned. It only cost me $400 shipped, so I am hoping I got a sweet deal. Also, hope the stocks are numbered to the gun. I am anal about that. I cannot get your avatar pics but would you post a picture attached to this thread? Thanks, Big Larry

 

[larryofcc]

I do not show any shipped in 1930 until they reach the 496XXX range. From the photo it appears to have the medium extractor rod knob and those don't show up until the late 20's and the very high 400's.

Be interesting to see if the gun has matching serial numbers or any indication of a factory return. Finish is consistent with the ones in my collection. (shown in my avatar)

Got it James. Nice collection. I am basically a Winchester collector with a few S&W's. Thanks again, Big Larry

 

[larryofcc]

22/32

OK. The revolver came today and the pics were terrible as this revolver is about a 97% gun. Bright blue. Another feature to help date it is the hammer has the patent date on it. All matching numbers, but the stocks are 11 numbers off from the gun. It was family owned since it was new. They took good care of it. Have no idea about the stocks. Maybe a factory screw up. Gun is # 495642 and the stocks are # 495653. They have no medallions. I have to go now. The Gun Police are at my door. I stole this fine S&W for $400 shipped. Pics later. Big Larry

 

[DWalt]

# 495642

I list 4967xx as shipping in 3/29. $400 is a steal. I don't believe I would be overly concerned about the stock SN difference. I am presently dickering on a similar one for a price in the $800 neighborhood. But not there yet. I am unsure if a hammer stamped with a patent number would be correct for that time period. Others may know.

 

[JSR III]

The closest one that I have in the database is 495640 that shipped on 1/26/1929. It went to Chapin Owen Co., Rochester, NY and wore 2 screw extension target stocks with no medallions. The front sight was a Patridge with gold bead, it had a medium size extractor rod knob with a small S&W logo on the left side. The cost was $22.20.

 

[JSR III]

I am unsure if a hammer stamped with a patent number would be correct for that time period. Others may know.

I have others from this time period that have a patent dated hammer. Although the change order to start reinstalling stock medallions was issued on 2/11/1929, I show many guns shipped into late 1929 without stock medallions. When they do begin to appear, they are now silver.

 

[Hondo44]

Your "22/32 Heavy Frame Target" sounds completely legit.
First thing to do is look on the left side grip frame under the left grip for a date.

The grips with 2 digits off is not unheard of on any models 22/32s. The assembler grabbed the wrong grips with a close # or the matching # grips had damage. I have one as well 12 #s off and heard of others.

 

[larryofcc]

Your "22/32 Heavy Frame Target" sounds completely legit.
First thing to do is look on the left side grip frame under the left grip for a date.

The grips with 2 digits off is not unheard of on any models 22/32s. The assembler grabbed the wrong grips with a close # or the matching # grips had damage. I have one as well 12 #s off and heard of others.

Nothing on the grip frame. I was astounded when I saw this revolver. I had figured buying one in the future as I was a little short on $$$, but this one was offered up cheap along with a High Standard my buddy wanted, so I took a chance, and WOW.
Thanks all for the info and nice comments. Very professional Forum. Big Larry