32 s&W ctg 6" barrel feby 20,77 -oct 2, 83

[trackguy2001]

I was recently given as a gift a 5 shot top-break, hammerless S&W 32 cal. revolver; 6 inch barrel, black steel, original wood grips. Top notch condition (would rate this as being in A-1, pristine condition, plus the holster appears to be the real mccoy, too, but showing some age) Patent dates on barrel Feb 20, 77; Dec 18, 77; May 11, 80; Sept 11, 83; Oct 2, 83, Aug 4, 85. Imprinted on magazine is L 31712
or could be 1 31712; on brass butt on bottom of pistol grip is 305595.

Any ideas on how many manufactured; value, etc.

Thanks for any info you could provide. Can send you picture if anyone would like to see.

Trackguy2001

 

[Old Fuff]

According to your description of the revolver, and the listed patent dates, you have a Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless; 3rd. Model.

These were made between 1909 and 1937 when the revolver was dropped from production. Standard barrel lengths over the years ran from 2 to 6 inches, but on this particular gun the 6 inch length is very scarce to rare. Also standard stocks were black hard rubber rather then wood. I suspect that they may not be original to the gun, but anything is possible.

But we have a problem. Production ended at serial number 242,981, and you say that your's is numbered on the butt (where the serial number should be) is 305,696 - which is way too high. Also, with the possible exception of the front sight, there is nothing in the revolver that's made of brass.

If you do have a .32 Safety Hammerless it should have a grip safety, which would set it apart from other Smith & Wesson .32 revolvers. If the wood stocks, and/or a brass plate covers the bottom of the frame, remove the stocks and see if there is another number stamped on it.