.32 S&W Long Birthday

[Walkalong]

I picked up this neat little revolver not long ago and would like to know its date of manufacture and proper model # / designation. It has a number stamped in the frame and the yolk that matches - 650XX - it also has an N stamped in the frame here as well as a sideways W or M stamped in the yolk.
It has another number - 6678XX - stamped in the bottom of the grip frame. It has no S&W logo on the sideplate side of the revolver. The grips appear original, but I have not removed them to look for any numbers etc. Thanks, Anthony

Yea, forgot the pic. It should help.

 

[Walkalong]

BTT - With pic this time.

 

[Jim K]

That is the post-war .32 Hand Ejector on the improved I frame. Some reports say the flat latch was not used until the change to the J frame, but it was a transition item and in any case was easily put on any older gun of the series. I would put the date of manufacture at around 1956.

The number on the butt is the serial number; the numbers on the crane and the adjacent frame are assembly numbers.

At that time, S&W had not introduced its model number system. That series later became the Model 30.

Jim

 

[Walkalong]

Thanks Jim.

Another question.

30... 1896... 1976... I&J... 32 S&W Long... 32 Hand Ejector
31... 1917 ............ I&J... 32 S&W Long... 32 Regulation Police

What is the difference? Thanks. AC

 

[Old Fuff]

The Regulation Police was a variant of the 1903 Hand Ejector that you have. Both were made on a round-butt frame, but the one on the Regulation Police was modified so that square-butt walnut stocks could be installed. It looks much like a scaled-down .38 Military & Police model.