The model of 1913

[Bro. Dave]

At a rural gun show yesterday I found a Model of 1913 lurking in a case among the ratty, overpriced junk that predominated. What caught my eye was the beautiful bluing, despite some pitting. The breach face has no evidence of brass and inspection with a bore scope showed no trace of copper. Serial number is 1796.

My uneducated guess is that it has spent its life in a dresser drawer or perhaps a desk drawer. Maybe unfired? Anyway, I was delighted to find this interesting specimen of a pistol uncommon in these parts. ("these parts" being rural Central Texas)

 

[rct269]

I think you'll find them uncommon in pretty much any parts. The first (and last) I recall seeing was at what I believe was the first NRA Collectors Arms Show in Nashville-----way back when. There was one of these, and also a .32 Auto---both priced well into the stratosphere.

As near as I recall, the only thing I brought home was a book----from a table piled high with them---The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson----first edition.

Ralph Tremaine

 

[Hawg Rider]

Very interesting and rare S&W pistol. I have never seen one in person, and probably never will since only ~8350 were produced (according to SCSW 4th Ed.)! You had a good eye to pick out this early one (s/n 1796, Type 3), and you're fortunate to have acquired it. There are probably some very jealous Model of 1913 collectors. Enjoy!

 

[Bro. Dave]

After the gentleman handed it to me he said, "that won't shoot .32's" as if that was a negative. After looking it over I asked the inevitable question, "what are you asking?" He wanted $750 so I asked if he'd take $500 cash. We did the little dance and he finally said he'd take $600. I tried not to hurt myself smiling as I reached for the gun show "cash stash."

 

[Hawg Rider]

I've never seen another one for sale so there is not much to base a fair price upon, but I think you did very well! If you intend to shoot it, is .35 S&W Auto ammo commercially available or will you have to find some dies and handload?

 

[Bro. Dave]

From my limited reading, the only loaded ammo is being sold by the round at exorbitant prices and I saw a discussion of the cost of having dies custom made. The other main discussion is that .32 acp shoots just fine in the .35 S&W.

I wouldn't mind having a box (or at least a few rounds) to display with it but my cursory search on GB showed a sealed box for sale at more than I paid for the pistol! Since this particular specimen appears unfired, I think it will remain so while in my custody. It's not like I don't have other firearms to shoot (insert wink here).

 

[huthike]

IIRC, you can shoot .32 ACP in it. But the experts should be along shortly. Nice find of a great gun. Based on an earlier Clement design out of Belgium, I think.

 

[PALADIN85020]

These are unique and interesting guns - very well made. They will accept and shoot .32 ACP, but you risk a bit of blow-by in the barrel. This one is mine, vintage of October, 1913. The full box of ammo is original, also dating from 1913. And yes, it was very expensive.

John

 

[Absalom]

Nice find! Prices on these have really gone up. Usually in the four digits. And the last specimen of the .32 version (a.k.a. Model 1924) I've come across online started around 3000.

Several years ago I got lucky and found one for a reasonable price that was not only in great shape finish-wise, but showed clear evidence by finish wear that it was carried in a holster for some time. Shipped 1917.

Somebody actually entrusted their safety to this gun. Given the quite fascinating but awkward idiosyncracies of the gun's operation, I don't think I'd do that if there were alternatives

 

[digi-shots]

Nice find!

Just curious what the loose rounds were running. It would be nice to display a few with the pistol.

 

[Bro. Dave]

On the green board there are some for $12.50/rd. and sealed boxes are downright scary. I may spring for a couple loose rounds at some point.