Greetings all, I came across an old pistol in my fater-in-laws garage a few days ago and would like some information about it. Right side of 3" barrel says32 S&W CTG, right side of frame abouve trigger says MADE IN U.S.A., right side frame just above grip is the S&W trademark logo. Top side of barrel says SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS U.S.A., left side of barrel says SMITH & WESSON, no patend dates anywhere. Pistol is blue with mother of pearl white grips, small round butt, hammerless, double action only, 5 shot cylinder, serial number on back side of cylinder and bottom of butt # 231181. I don't see any other numbers or marks anywhere. Anyone out there with any info ???? THANKS.
32 S&W CTG need help identifying
- Thread starter luckywdw
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With your other information, the serial number would indicate it is a Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless Third Model. They were made from 1909 to 1937. Different sources give different serial number ranges, but about 73,000 were made, ending at about 242980. Many were nickel plated and pearl grips were available as a factory option or on the after market. Value in top condition, with factory pearl grips would be around $600. Average is around $200. Many are broken or badly rusted/worn and have little value.
Jim
Jim
at least that what it looks like, woodstock, rounded butt. 
Man, is it just me, or have there been a bunch of new posters all with .32 S&W's to ID here lately?
Sorry I can't help you guys, but I'm sure one of the S&W gurus will be along shortly. We've had a lot of similiar requests lately so you also might want to do a search and see if any of the other info also applies to your guns.
Sorry I can't help you guys, but I'm sure one of the S&W gurus will be along shortly. We've had a lot of similiar requests lately so you also might want to do a search and see if any of the other info also applies to your guns.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Redroad said:
But if it is, someone replaced the grips with more modern ones. It also may have been refinished years ago, as I would expect to see more case-hardening colors on the hammer & trigger, not worn bluing as it appears in the photo.
And it is not just a run of the mill .32 S&W chambering.
The "32 Winchester CTG" on the barrel means it is a 32-20 WCF.
It appears to be in pretty darn nice condition considering it's age, and replacement grips, and would probably be worth in the $400 - $450 range if it hasn't been reblued.
rcmodel
What you have there seems to be a Smith & Wesson 1st. Hand Ejector made 1899 - 1902.
But if it is, someone replaced the grips with more modern ones. It also may have been refinished years ago, as I would expect to see more case-hardening colors on the hammer & trigger, not worn bluing as it appears in the photo.
And it is not just a run of the mill .32 S&W chambering.
The "32 Winchester CTG" on the barrel means it is a 32-20 WCF.
It appears to be in pretty darn nice condition considering it's age, and replacement grips, and would probably be worth in the $400 - $450 range if it hasn't been reblued.
rcmodel
One warning... It was made well before S&W started heat-treating cylinders around 1919-1920. Be careful what you shoot in it - if you shoot it at all.
As for the finish, I think someone unwisely wiped it down with cold blue, perhaps at the same time the stocks were replaced.
As for the finish, I think someone unwisely wiped it down with cold blue, perhaps at the same time the stocks were replaced.
Jim Watson
Member
I keep wanting to reply to one of these:
"You've got a CTG, WOW what a rarity. But I am too nice. I really don't know why S&W makes the abbreviation for "Cartridge" so big and bold.
Chamber pressure of .32-20 is slightly less than .38 Special. Shoot an old .38, shoot an old .32-20 (or not), it's all the same.
We are warned about shooting .32-20 High Velocity, High Speed, or High Power in revolvers (or 1873 rifles.) OK, I guess you might run into some 35+ year old ammunition in a country store or gun show.
"You've got a CTG, WOW what a rarity. But I am too nice. I really don't know why S&W makes the abbreviation for "Cartridge" so big and bold.
Chamber pressure of .32-20 is slightly less than .38 Special. Shoot an old .38, shoot an old .32-20 (or not), it's all the same.
We are warned about shooting .32-20 High Velocity, High Speed, or High Power in revolvers (or 1873 rifles.) OK, I guess you might run into some 35+ year old ammunition in a country store or gun show.
Hello,
I was searching the net for information on a pistol I inherited from a great uncle.
I ran across this forum, and I feel I've found a gold mine.
After doing some research, I believe I have a Smith and Wesson "New Departure" .32cal. With a serial number of 176XXX I'm assuming it was manufactured in the area of 1919.
Anyways, I'd like to share some pictures of my gun since most of the shots I've seen are of hand ejector models.
Thank you,
Clint
I was searching the net for information on a pistol I inherited from a great uncle.
I ran across this forum, and I feel I've found a gold mine.
After doing some research, I believe I have a Smith and Wesson "New Departure" .32cal. With a serial number of 176XXX I'm assuming it was manufactured in the area of 1919.
Anyways, I'd like to share some pictures of my gun since most of the shots I've seen are of hand ejector models.
Thank you,
Clint
Attachments
Yup, also known as the .32 Safety hammerless, 3rd. model. These were made between 1909 and 1937, within a serial number range going from 170,000 to 242,981. I think that your number, 176,xxx was likely made earlier then 1919 - perhaps closer to 1913. I see that it's in very good condition for its age.
Yes, I'm pleased with the condition.
If I'd have known that it was such and old gun I prolly would have held off on shooting it when I got it 2 years ago.... It came with about 40 rounds of lead slugs. It operated flawlessly........ I don't plan on firing it again.
The inside of the barrel is nice and shiny, the riflings are not as pronounced as a newer pistol. Not sure if that's because of the way it was built, or excessive use.
If I'd have known that it was such and old gun I prolly would have held off on shooting it when I got it 2 years ago.... It came with about 40 rounds of lead slugs. It operated flawlessly........ I don't plan on firing it again.
The inside of the barrel is nice and shiny, the riflings are not as pronounced as a newer pistol. Not sure if that's because of the way it was built, or excessive use.
If it is in sound mechanical condition it is safe to shoot with current .32 S&W ammunition - which is available but sometimes hard to find.
If you shoot it you will find something that's unusual. As you pull the trigger the weight of the pull increases, until just before the very end. Then it drops off just before the hammer is released. It was designed that way intentionally so that a deliberate aimed shot could be made.
They were intended to be pocket guns, with standard barrel lengths of 3 or 3 1/2 inches - although they made some, called "bicycle guns" with 2 inch barrels, and on special order lengths as long as 6 inches.
If you shoot it you will find something that's unusual. As you pull the trigger the weight of the pull increases, until just before the very end. Then it drops off just before the hammer is released. It was designed that way intentionally so that a deliberate aimed shot could be made.
They were intended to be pocket guns, with standard barrel lengths of 3 or 3 1/2 inches - although they made some, called "bicycle guns" with 2 inch barrels, and on special order lengths as long as 6 inches.
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