Value & Date for old 5-Screw 32 Revolver

[Old No7]

Ahoy the forum from the coast of Maine...

This older post from almost a year ago asked about a 32 Regulation Police, 5-screw in the 425XXX Range (click for link) that was likely shipped in late 1925 (based on close serial #s that other posters had shared), and today I'm asking about an earlier one.

This l'il 32 is numbered in the 135XXX range and is also a blued 5-screw, 3.25" barrel (pinned, of course) with the button-head ejector rod and old-style black grips ("stocks" in S&W parlance) that are in great shape with no cracks or chips.

I'd like to get an approximate value and shipping date for this one too please, and thanks in advance for your help:

It does need to be cleaned up a little, but underneath some of the dirt and grime that's on it, I think she's in pretty good shape overall. The chambers and bore are in great shape, and the lock-up is tight; I really think she sat around more than she was ever carried or fired.

Tight groups.

Old No7

 

[Wiregrassguy]

First of all that's not a regulation police. That's a 32 hand ejector. Model 1903 5th change that ship somewhere between 1910 and 1915. One of the guys with better data than I have will be along to give you a more accurate date.

Guy

 

[DCWilson]

That is a .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903, fifth change. It was probably shipped in 1911. It is not actually a Regulation Police, because that model was not introduced until 1917. The distinguishing characteristic of the RP is the extended square butt configuration that makes the underlying round butt frame easier to hold for people with larger hands. You can see that in the photo in the thread you linked to in your first paragraph.

Value is probably in the $250-350 range depending on how well it cleans up. Those are the original hard rubber stocks. It's good to have those.

EDITED TO ADD: Guy got in first with the salient points. At least you have two answers that are in agreement!

 

[Wiregrassguy]

The SCSW 4th Edition says $500 for VG with 20% deduct for it being a 5th Change because so many were made. I tend to agree more with David's valuation. I just don't see these guns selling for $400 unless they have some provenance.

 

[Old No7]

That is a .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903, fifth change. It was probably shipped in 1911. It is not actually a Regulation Police, because that model was not introduced until 1917. The distinguishing characteristic of the RP is the extended square butt configuration that makes the underlying round butt frame easier to hold for people with larger hands. You can see that in the photo in the thread you linked to in your first paragraph.

Value is probably in the $250-350 range depending on how well it cleans up. Those are the original hard rubber stocks. It's good to have those.

Thanks for the correction about the model; I had "assumed" due to the other one, but I'll chalk this up as "more to learn" about the older S&Ws for sure.

The SCSW 4th Edition says $500 for VG with 20% deduct for it being a 5th Change because so many were made. I tend to agree more with David's valuation. I just don't see these guns selling for $400 unless they have some provenance.

Thanks for both of you for the comments on value... I guess I did OK at $300 out the door, as she is cleaning up very well.

Have to say, I do prefer the extended square butt of the later Regulation Police model (plus, that one was my Dad's!) but this will become a nice shooter too.

Old No7

 

[JP@AK]

Old No7
Aside from the 1917 date issue, a good spotting point for the RP v. the HE on pre-WWII .32 revolvers is the location of the serial number. On the HE, it is on the butt; on the RP it is on the front strap of the grip frame.

 

[Old No7]

Old No7
Aside from the 1917 date issue, a good spotting point for the RP v. the HE on pre-WWII .32 revolvers is the location of the serial number. On the HE, it is on the butt; on the RP it is on the front strap of the grip frame.

Thanks Jack; that aligns with what I've seen later today after I had more time to put the 232s ("two 32s") side by side.

For those who may be interested in the 32 caliber self defense loads, I did this test years ago... Sure, there are bigger, better and more powerful rounds out there -- but I wouldn't want to get hit with either loading!

Of all these loads, I think I'd carry the MagTech JHP load (followed by 3 true H&R Mags when used in my S&W Mdl 16 or 631):

Tight groups all.

Old No7