Smith 1896 HE 1st Model .32 Target ???

[hplarc2]

Anyone ever seen a rear sight mounted here? It looks to be factory, but I've never seen one in this location. I cannot see any evidence of the removal of the old center mounted sight. Could this be something special they did? If not, someone went to a lot of work and trouble. Thanks to all who respond. 1896 HE 1st Model 6 inch nickel .32 six shot black plastic grips serial#18666.

 

[jsmith]

I have. You have what appears to be an 1896 1st Model Hand Ejector...a factory target model. These are a bit rare. I have only seen a couple of these in the past 15 years I have been in guns.

The last one I seen for sale a dealer was asking over $2000 and it was in much nicer shape than yours. The serial number of yours is close to the end of the run for this model.

A letter from the factory, in my opinion, may be needed to confirm if this is indeed a true factory target model. Some guns were later on modified by previous owners with target sights.

jsmith

 

[dacoontz]

Looks facotry to me. The standard catalog does mention that target variations are rare. They produced just shy of 20,000 of this model so they are not that uncommon but you don't see them as often as 38 M&P's and such. Could you add a pic looking directly down at the topstrap to see how far forward the rear sight extends on the frame? Also, I imagine you'll get some much better responses but if you add target to your title then it may get more attention. Thanks for showing it off and welcome to the forum.

 

[hplarc2]

1896 HE TARGET?

Is this factory?

 

[Smithhound]

A couple of years ago I was called by a local dealer friend to meet with an older lady to look at an 'old Smith' she had for years, a .32. When I got there she had one that looked identical to yours, a rear mounted target sight .32 first model, condition was similar and I would have bought it just to have it, BUT, some dam fool had hacksawed the barrel to about 3" or so and brazed a bronze front sight onto it.
Hated to tell here about what it 'coulda' been worth, but what are you going to do?
Just another 'heartbreaker'.
RD