History of 32 Smith & Wesson

[Sargent]

We are trying to determine the age and model information for a Smith & Wesson that has been in our family some years. The number 88593 is on underside of the the barrel, on the cylinder and on the butt. On one side of the barrel is 32 WCF CTG. The barrel length appears to be 3.25". The finish is blue. There is an S & W insignia below the release for the cylinder. Pictures are attached.

 

[rcmodel]

You have a .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 - 4th. Change.
It was made between 1915 - (65,701), and 1940 - (144,684).
Yours just guessing, probably about 1920 - 25.

It is chambered for the 32-20 WCF (Winchester Center-Fire) cartridge.

It has a 4" barrel, as revolvers are measured from the front of the cylinder face to the muzzle.

Hard to say exactly from the pictures, but in the condition it appears to be in, I would say it might be worth around $400 dollars.

rcmodel

 

[Sargent]

Thank you. One more picture. The story in the family was that it belonged to my mother's grandfather who was a sheriff in Texas. I suppose it's possible since Mom was born in 1924. Do you know if these were issued as law enforcement weapons?

 

[rcmodel]

I think back then many sheriffs, small town cops, etc. bought their own guns.
"Department Issue only" was not nearly as big a deal as it is now, and privately owned firearms were the norm.

For $50.00, you can request a factory letter from S&W that will tell you everything they can dig up out of the old factory records.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=11101&content=25301&sectionId=10504

That would include a more precise date for when it was made & shipped, who it was shipped to, and any other information they might have.

rcmodel

 

[Sargent]

Thank you so much. We'll do that.