Typical 32 Hand Ejector….

[tcross]

….with typical questions.
Hi All, longtime lurker here that has enjoyed reading and garnering info on a few S&W's that I have owned over the years. I feel that I owe more than a bit of thanks to those who offer up their knowledge to folks like me who mostly are silent and prefer just to read. Sadly, a member here for almost 10 years, I think this is my first post. Anyway, I am at an age now that I am wondering what to do with some of the firearms that I don't use, but feel I owe it to myself to fill in the blanks of what I don't know about them. In particular, I have a 32 Long S&W Hand Ejector that I inherited 50 years ago. It holds great sentimental value but there is no one alive who can give me personal details. But at least perhaps I can find out a couple last things I don't know about the gun itself. And to be honest here, I don't know what I will do with it. I can't take it with me in the end - LOL- and I don't have a family member to leave it to - at least that wants it. (Can't say that I'm looking for any new ones either - double LOL) So I will have a decision to make somewhere down the line.
So, a typical S&W 32 Long Hand Ejector, with 4 1/4" barrel, 5 screw frame, round butt etc. I probably should have done the S&W "letter" years ago (as it is now $100) but foolishly it wasn't that important to me. I don't know the build date but perhaps late 19teens. No emblem on the side plates and serial # of 2652xx. Any better guess? I don't think these are the original grips. I see lots of pictures with the small rounded black grips - however, I have also seen lots of pics of these identical grips over the years. Did some company happen to make lots of these back in the day? Were they offered as an option? Lastly of course, trying to put a value to this gun. I know it is subjective to what someone would pay. If I had someone to leave it to, it would be priceless. But if my wife has to deal with it someday…. Taking a wild stab at what I have read around here or seen on GB, would I be far off at $550-600? Thanks in advance for any help. Hopefully I'll be able to get the pics up. T.

 

[glowe]

Welcome to the Forum. As far as the stocks go, they were available on I frames if ordered for a additional cost. Those stocks were introduced in 1920, with convex tops without medallions. Your serial number puts the ship date at 1919-1920 so they would have been appropriate for the revolver if shipped in 1920. I had a 38 Perfected revolver from the same era that shipped with "target" stocks. Inquiring to Roy Jinks, he confirmed that target stocks were available for purchase from the factory, but not all letters will show the type of stocks shipped so may always be a guess. Theoretically, the stocks should be serial numbered inside the right stock with pencil, but the numbers are easily wiped away over time.

Extended style stocks were standard on Single Shot 22 Target Pistols, 22/32 Heavy Framed Target revolvers of the era, and on 32 Regulation Police revolvers. It is, therefore, a possibility that your revolver was shipped as a Regulation Police revolver. They started with serial number 263.000 and had what was called a rabated rear grip strap where the stocks would fit into an offset in the frame. Those stocks at the time of your revolver were said to be single screw without the rear ledge like the targets. (see attached catalog page from 1919) If a Regulation Police, the serial number should be on the front of the butt frame. Let us know if the rear butt strap is smooth or rebated?

So as far as the stocks go, they might or might not be original to your revolver. Letter it if you want, but be aware that not all will be returned with a statement about the stocks depending on what the shipping records state.

 

[gmarshall99]

The rear strap is not rabated, so not a regulation police. Photo five looks like a regular round butt. A model of 1903, not sure of the change.

 

[glowe]

Your revolver should officially be known as a 32 Hand Ejector, 3rd Model made from 1917 to 1942. The exact serial number change is not known, but the best estimate is that the 3rd Model started at 263,000 and went to 534,532.

 

[tcross]

Thanks fellas, that's about what I speculated. In my youth, a fellow club member at the time, and a retired LEO, thought this was what the local police carried in the 20's. (Massachusetts) No way to be sure. Smooth rounded back strap, serial number on the bottom. No pencil markings in side the grips, but plenty of smudges that could have been. So, I have my doubts. I do faintly remember a black holster that came with this but have no idea what became of it. Just another lost clue. I don't see myself pursuing a letter for what little extra info I would gain. And you guys are awesome for putting forth your knowledge. It's appreciated. At this point, it's a conversation piece in that I have other pistols that I shoot and practice with. I especially enjoyed reading the spec sheets, and seeing that Penetration is 4 1/2 - 7/8" pine boards. I guess in the day, that was enough.

 

[glowe]

. . . I especially enjoyed reading the spec sheets, and seeing that Penetration is 4 1/2 - 7/8" pine boards. I guess in the day, that was enough.

Still is if you are a bullseye shooter!

 

[DWalt]

All of those SNs on my list which are fairly close to yours shipped in 1917.

 

[raljr1]

I love 32s, but I think $5-600 is highbfor these...I would think $400 to $450 is what you could expect, maybe a bit less unless you have box and other stuff

Robert

 

[tcross]

Robert, thanks for the reality check. As I mentioned, I was taking a wild stab, hoping that something over 100 yrs. old would start increasing in value by now. Seems they have been around the same value for some time? Perhaps just no demand.
And Dwalt, thanks for narrowing the date of manufacture even closer.
Gary, in my youth I used to be a Bullseye shooter. I don't think the sights on this would pass muster.lol. The 41, the Gold Cup, and the 27, now they were special. This one is probably better sticking to the pine plank.

 

[GerSan69]

Well, for what it's worth, IMO your .32 is worth what you thought originally. In 2022, gun prices have gone up considerably with the increased demand, something not always taken into consideration. Even an older gun like yours, in good to excellent condition, will bring a higher price, and only true collectors care if there is a box and papers.
Remember, pricing higher gives you room for negotiation... pricing too low means you're stuck.
Good luck no matter what you decide to do. It's a good-looking trvolver!

 

[glowe]

32 HE collectors always wish that the prices will go up and values were higher, and I was one of them for decades. The reality is that, unless pristine, this model is near the bottom of the S&W value list. They are very easily picked up for under $350 in nice shape.

Gunbroker is a great place to look at completed auctions and they keep a list of all guns sold and not sold for 60 days. The data below shows what these 32 HEs sold for over that period of time.

<$200 - 4 guns sold
$200 to $250 - 3 guns sold
$250 to $300 - 3 guns sold
$300 to $350 - 2 guns sold
>$350 - 10 guns with none sold for asking prices above $350

This is a micro look at just one gun site, but I watched this model for years and the numbers do not change for 32 Hand Ejectors. I know - lots of people will never buy online and say that everything online is junk and all sellers are crooks! I have never been disappointed, not once. Ask questions, study photos, check feedback, do the research and bid with confidence. LGS is typically not a good place to buy this type of vintage revolver. They typically ask too much, do not really know what they are selling, and often mis-identify this model. Afterall, they are not collectors, do not have time to study every gun manufacturer, and every model.

 

[DWalt]

There are a few uncommon S&W revolvers chambered for the .32 S&W Long cartridge which are in the high-dollar value class, but unless in exceptionally high condition, typical older I-frame .32 revolvers are not among them, even in today's environment. There were large numbers of them manufactured and they are only marginally adequate for defensive use.

 

[tcross]

Again, I applaud you guys for your knowledge and your follow up information. This all interesting and helpful to me.