S&W Name for "Pre K" 5-Screw 32 Long?

[Old No7]

Hi all:

My brother calls this find of his a "Pre K, 5-Screw 32", a precursor to the K32 Series.

It has a 6" barrel, is a 5-screw model, has Serial Number 677XXX, and has what looks to me like a LERK aka "Large Ejector Rod Knob" (per a comparison versus the posting of the magnificent set of K22, K33 and K38 models that I recently saw here).

* What does S&W actually call this model 32?

* Any comments on whether it is rare or scarce?

He has shot it before, and says "if I am good", I will get to shoot it soon too... Here are the requisite pix:

As for the chip in the grip... Because of that flaw, I've already offered my bro 10 TIMES what he paid for it, but as generous as that offer is, he won't budge.............

After all, he only paid $75.00 for it 30 years ago in a backwoods gunshop in VA.

I told him he needs to get this lettered too!

Thanks for your help.

Old No7

 

[JP@AK]

I'm no expert on .32 Target revolvers, but looking at the rear sight and the extractor rod knob, I would venture to say this is a prewar revolver that is wearing early postwar target stocks. I believe the stocks have to be later than the revolver.

 

[Doug M.]

I don't think this fits the rule for being a pre (model) (a pre-16 in this case) because the term is generally used to mean a model that is the same as the numbered model, but from before the time of model #s. Looking at the hammer, I'm guessing pre-WW2, or a transition model using older part soon after the war. That guess and enough change will get you some coffee at your favorite place.

The grips are not even close to original, so the chip means just about beans. I would probably not shoot it with the right grips, or even worry about them, but get something that fits my hands as well as possible, and like my K38, this would violate my general rule of avoiding wood grips.

My guess is that someone will come along who knows the correct nomenclature (something like a .32 Hand Ejector Target), and also has an idea of the real value. My guess on that is that even with the finish wear and incorrect grips, that's worth closer to $1500, maybe even $2K to someone who has the knowledge and desire.

 

[handejector]

Your brother hit the jackpot 30 years ago.
If you offer him 100 times what he paid for it, you'll still be on the low side.

It is a Pre-War K-32 Target. It has a little less than 100 brothers.

I've sold three during the last few years.
All three brought well over $10,000.

The last one I sold-
Smith & Wesson Pre-War K-32 First Model 1 of 94

 

[JP@AK]

Looking at the hammer

Correct. I mentioned the rear sight, but the hammer also screams prewar. The extractor rod knob did span the war years, but would be correct on a prewar gun and would not be correct for very long after the war.

And I believe .32 Military & Police Target would be the correct nomenclature. I'm pretty sure the serial number 677XXX would be in the prewar M&P sequence, since this is clearly a K frame revolver.

Okay, Lee posted while I was dinking around with my reply. Prewar K-32 Target it is.
But Lee, am I correct in my thoughts about the serial sequence?

 

[DWalt]

That SN (677XXX) would indicate shipment in early 1940, at least I have several SNs nearby listed which did. Wonder if it could be called a K-32/40?

In any event, the target stocks are very probably not original. I would guess prewar Magna stocks would have been original equipment, but those Targets on it are very interesting. There are those who could do a reasonable restoration to the damage if you are interested. The History of S&W indicates that in S&W's records, 94 of these K-32 Target revolvers were sold between April 15, 1938 (first production) and sometime in 1940 (no precise end date is given). Quote: "This is the rarest of all the S&W side swing models produced from 1899 to 1940." This one could have been among the last made. The lowest SN given is 663107.

A factory letter is most definitely recommended for this revolver, after the hiatus in letter processing now in place has ended.

 

[rct269]

In the for what it's worth department, mine (#681819) was shipped March 25, 1940---with service stocks.

Ralph Tremaine

And continuing in the for what it's worth department, mine is eighth from the last one (the highest serial number anyway)----the last/highest number being 682207. Those in the 677 series number 34, and outnumber any/all of those in different series. And for those of you who like to think big, there are a bunch of consecutively numbered guns in the 677 series---more than a few in the 681 series too.

 

[DCWilson]

Yup, rare gun. Also known to collectors as the K-32 First Model.

Would you be willing to PM me the entire serial number? I track these and keep sources confidential for particular items of information. Serial numbers may be mentioned in any summary reports that come out of my notes, but names associated with particular serial numbers stay unmentioned.

Based on data tabulated from company records years ago, it appears that 35 of these prewar K-32 Target revolvers were produced with serial numbers beginning 677. (A few more may exist that were not recognized in the document review; they are not consistently described in the log books.) Of these, six have previously been observed, so this one is number seven.

Just FYI, that gun up there at the top of the page is another K-32 First Model.

 

[glenncal1]

P.S. the name for that revolver is "cha-ching"

 

[JohnRippert]

I wish it was called "Mine!"

 

[bgrafsr]

Fabulous gun. I like.........
As for the damaged stock panel, have your brother contact DWFAN (Forum Member). He should be able to repair it and he does absolutely fantastic work. He won't regret having it repaired.

 

[Old No7]

WOW, thanks all!!!

I will see what my brother says about all this...

(Or, maybe I will just tell him it is a "dime a dozen model" and he should accept my GENEROUS offer!!!)

Old No7

 

[woodsltc]

Your brother hit the jackpot 30 years ago.
If you offer him 100 times what he paid for it, you'll still be on the low side.

It is a Pre-War K-32 Target. It has a little less than 100 brothers.

I've sold three during the last few years.
All three brought well over $10,000.

The last one I sold-
Smith & Wesson Pre-War K-32 First Model 1 of 94

All I can think to say to the OP & his brother is that is amazing....WOW !!

 

[Rigmover]

Here is 665938 shipped Nov. 1st 1937 . that I came across 3 years ago. One of a few made before the 94 list one of the unknowns. Was a special order gun Shipped to Canada for $24 in change back then.

Tell your brother that you will take good care it and that you just have to have it because if you tell him that's its worth tons you might as well forget it LOL!!

 

[tlay]

Tell your brother that since he is your brother you will give him $1500. Heck, what are brothers for?

 

[Hondo44]

How about a K32/38? For either 1938 or on a 38 frame.