[boogalou]

Checking this out for a buddy of mine. S&W topbreak revolver in .32 caliber. Patent dates are in the 1880 range. 3.5" barrel. Anyone have any info on this?

[Old Fuff]

Can't help unless a lot more information is offered.

First of all, does this revolver have a hammer you can cock with your thumb, or is it hammerless with a grip safety at the back of the handle?

What is the serial number? (look on the bottom of the butt).

Can you post a picture? That could help a lot.

Do these things and I think you'll get a lot of help from some very knowledgeable people.

[C.R.Sam]

When you post the serial number, use Xs in place of the last three numbers.

IE... 456xxx. Keeps evil ones from doing nasty things concerning a particular gun.

Sam

[boogalou]

Here is the info you guys requested.

S/N is 2154xx

the pistol does have a hammer

5-shot cylinder

[jar]

Does it look like the top one in this picture?

http://www.fototime.com/31F355FB968DDB8/standard.jpg

[Old Fuff]

It is most likely a Smith & Wesson .32 Double Action / 4th. Model

239,600 were made between 1883 through 1909. (Serial No. range 43,406 to 282,999). Standard finish was blue or nickel. Came with black hard-rubber grips unless pearl was special ordered. Most common barrel lengths were 3 and 3 1/2 inches - although some were made with 6 - 8 and 10 inch barrels. These were 5-shot revolvers chambered in .32 S&W. Your particular gun was probably made during the early 1900's, as the late 1898 cut-off was at #209,301.

The revolver in the picture posted by "jar" is a .38, but your friend's gun should look very much like it, with a smaller cylinder.

[boogalou]

Old Fuff & Jar - Thanks so much for the information. I appreciate your help. Now.... the question that people always ask when they have a old gun - how much is it worth?

[Old Fuff]

What's it worth?

Answer: What ever you can get for it.

It's practical use as a weapon is limited by design and age. The cost of ammunition would make it a pretty expensive "plinker," and the sights are not conductive to target shooting.

That leaves collectors.

Unless its in unusually good shape S&W collectors aren't particularly interested for the most part. Because of the large quantity that were made, combined with the fact that many were kept as bedside table guns, has left us with a fair number that are close to "like new." Something like that might command .... say $275.00 to $325.00. However as the condition drops off the value goes down like a stone in a pond. Average guns usually go around $75.00 to $125.00.

However, they're people out there who'll gladly pay too much because they don't know what you now do, and want it because it's a "cool little gun."

So ...... go get whatever you can.

[boogalou]

Old Fuff - Thanks again for the info. I appreciate it

[Tommy Gunn]

Get some Lee dies and a Lee turrent press kit to make your own inexpensive .32 S&W handloads.

Then you can use it as a shooter. The Cowboy Action Shooters use these little top-break revolvers in a side match for pocket revolvers and derringers.