Calling Old Fuff (and others)

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VHinch

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I just picked up a S&W .32 Hand Ejector in a trade, and while I knew I was doing good, now that I actually have it in my possession, I think I may have done really good.

What I have is a model 30-1 .32 Hand Ejector, serial #752xxx in the original box with the oil paper and cleaning rod included. The guy I got it from said his grandfather bought it new and carried it as a security guard (why in the world someone would trade away their grandfather's pistol I'll never know), and there is some wear, particularly at the muzzle. The grips are in excellent condition, and I would probably rate the gun at 85-90%It also came with a Bucheimer holster and cartridge belt.

The question is, what do I really have here? What can you Smith experts tell me about this one?

Thanks
V
 
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Also, on the box, in the "Special Features" box it is notated "4061". Is that significant?

V
 
OK, here we go......add some Na+, 32s are not my area of knowledge, but I will try.

First, you have a nice revolver. The flat latch, round butt, diamond grip combination makes it nice. I'm guessing it will say MOD 30-1 inside the yoke, indicating a Model 30-1. It was made between 1961 and 1966. Value would be beween $250 and $300, maybe a bit more, depending on the buyer's motivation and the seller's willingness. Flat latches sometimes go for a bit more than usual.

I have little doubt the grips are original, and will bear the gun's serial stamped inside one of them. The box appears to be correct.

Hope this helps a bit.
 
The S&W model 30-1 was made between 1961 and 1976 when it was discontinued. Yours is a flat latch model, which means dates to between 1961 and 1966 when the cylinder latch was changed. You can get more detailed info if you send off to Mr. Jinks for a letter.
 
See, ya' really don't need the Old Fuff anymore... :uhoh: Everybody's getting too smart... :D

The "dash-1 in 30-1 denotes the change from the I-frame to the J-frame at or about serial No. 712,954 in 1960.
 
Yep, just gotta sit at the feet of the master.. Oh, and buy a copy of the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. :)
 
Thanks to all. The grips and box are both correctly numbered to the gun. Anyone know what the "4061" under Special Features notates?

Thanks
V
 
I think it's a Smith & Wesson in-house product code. To find out you'll have to contact the company's customer service department. Usually "Special Features" refer to things like a wide-spur hammer or trigger, target stocks, red front & white outlined rear sights, etc.

The only thing I noticed in your photographs that is a bit unusual is the 4" barrel. But this length was available up to 1978.
 
My History of S & W shows s/n 712954 as made in april, 1961 but before 1970, s/n 826,977. SO I'd guess at early 1960's.
 
Thanks guys. I didn't realize the 4" barrel was unusual. The pictures were actually taken as soon as I got home with it last night. Since then, it's had a good cleaning and looks even better. I really only picked it up because I recognized that I was getting a screaming deal, but the more I look at it the more I like it. So does $300 seem to be a fair valuation?

Thanks
V
 
Thanks guys. I didn't realize the 4" barrel was unusual.
Click to expand...

"Unusual" doesn't mean it didn't happen. The model 30-1 was cataloged in barrel lengths of 2, 3 and 4 inches, but the 4-inch length was more often seen on the model 31 Regulation Police (same gun with a square butt). Given that its got the original box, and the 4-inch barrel length the $300.00 price would seem to be quite reasonable from a collector's perspective.

After World War Two .32 revolvers declined in popularity, and as a result S&W ran some "interesting" configurations and combinations as they used up on-hand parts. These may or may not increase colectable value depending on what they are, but not unexpectedly collectors and shooters seem to most interested in the 2-inch snubbies.
 
VHinch,
Very nice revolver and I agree with you, why would anyone want to trade off his grand-father's revolver?

I'm just curious, what did you trade for it??
 
If I told you I'd have to kill you....:D

I almost feel guilty about the deal, but this guy actually approached me about the trade. A friend of mine had a buddy who was looking for a .22 semi auto, particularly a Marlin Model 60 and he knew I had several so he put us in touch. The guy looked at the rifle and said "Well, all I have to trade for it is this old .32." And here we are. I guess this goes down as my best deal.

V
 
According to Roy Jinks, any numbers in the "Special Features" box of the end lable are meaningless to collectors, as they are distributors inventory numbers usually. They are not placed there by the factory for any factory meaning.
 
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