Value & Mfg Date for 32 Regulation Police 5-Screw

[Old No7]

I acquired this old 5-Screw S&W Regulation Police in 32 S&W Long the hard way...

...From my Father's inheritance...

I'd actually loaned it out to a friend of mine who was interested in checking out the older S&W 32s; and luckily he didn't handle it or shoot it much, if any, but he liked it enough to go out and buy his own used 32 Long.

Now that I've gotten this back and have more S&Ws in my collection, I'm better realizing what terrific condition it is in -- and I'm questioning my sanity for ever letting it out of my possession! So now I'd like to get some more info about it's Market Value (although it is not for sale) and also an approximate Manufacture Date.

As thanks to the forum, I'll include the requisite pix below, and they will also help show you what wonderful condition it is in.

It is a 5-Screw 32 Long, with a 3.25" barrel, with the oversized "target grips" (??) that have a June 1917 patent date stamped into them. The Serial # starts with 425XXX, and I would rate overall finish as between 95% to 98%.

It has a slight turn line, which is common, and the action is very crisp with excellent timing and lockup. I will admit I may fire off a cylinder or two annually in remembrance of my 'ol Dad. He would be OK with that, as all his guns, like this one too, were "shooters" and not to be stuffed away in drawers.

Last question...

* Do you think there's any value, other than curiosity, of having this one lettered?

I have no box or original paperwork with it, as my dear father said "Who knew to keep all that stuff back then?" but that might help complete the picture.

Thanks for looking and for any insights.

Old No7

 

[DWalt]

Very likely your RP shipped in 1926, but I do not have a serial number on my list any closer than by about 20,000. Definitely post-1922 and pre-1928. In that excellent condition, I'll leave value estimates to someone else who knows more. Sweet.

 

[Hondo44]

Old No7,

What a great family heirloom and I'm sure you miss your dad.

It is a beauty!

Number 403745 shipped 8/25 and #441725 from Sept. 1926, so that will provide an approximate shipping date for yours. It has the standard Regulation Police stocks; targets are a bit larger and have two screws.

In its condition, I would value it in the $450 price range. The 3 1/4" barrel length is not quite as plentiful as the 4 1/4" on this model.

Personally, I don't see any value in the $50 letter for that particular gun.

I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it all year long and enjoy it. You won't devalue it jut shooting it and not carrying it.

 

[S&W Oldtimer]

Ser. # 425328 shipped in 1925.

 

[Old No7]

Thanks to all for the info and comments!

Tight groups.

Old No7

 

[DocB]

That one looks really nice to me. I prefer that gun in 32. Yeah, you can shoot it, but don't holster it for carry. . .use a gun rug. I would put it in the $500-$600 price range. They are going up in value. They are not that easy to find. In that condition, they are "really" not that easy to find.