[polkstewart]

I read most of the threads about the 32 ctg and learn much but still have some questions. This is my dad's gun and it's very important to me because it's the only thing that I have to remember him by. He died in 1957 and I just got it back from my long lost uncle. I am 59..hard to believe. So here it is..

On the barrel pat march 27, 9-4, aug 4 96, dec22 98, ocy8 01, dec 17 01, feb8 08 sept 14 09

nickel plated

pearl handles one screw each side

serial number on butt 144400
Clyinder has the same 144400

My dad was born in 1910

Thanks for any information

[mnrivrat]

Hello !

Welcome to THR ! In the late part of the 19th century and early part of the 20th there were a lot of revolvers made that fired the .32SW cartridge. If yours is an early S&W gun it is likely the hand ejector model based on the dates you give. Does this gun have a cylinder that flips out of the frame to the left side ?

If not, there were also a lot of companies making a top break revolver in that time period. Any chance of posting a picture ?

[Jim K]

Please check the patent date markings again, with a magnifying glass, but I am almost certain the gun is a Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector, Model 1903, 5th change. They are still pretty common, some 160,000 being made between 1910 and 1917. Value in dollars can run up to $800 or so, but only if brand new in the box. Average guns bring only about $250. Heirloom value, of course, cannot be expressed in money.

Jim