Question on smith & wesson pistol

[DEBORAH]

Hello to all,

i have an old pistol of my father's. I would like to know more
about it.

On the top of the barrel there is two lines.

On first line.
Smith & wesson springfield mass u.s.a. Pato march

on second line.
27,94,aug.4,98,dec.22,98,oct.8,01,dec.27,01,feb.8,02

left side of barrel.
32 long otg

left side of pistol is the smith & wesson logo.

On the butt.
108442
i'm not to sure about the last number. This gun
is in bad condition. When i open the pistol this
same number is there. I would really like to know
the year it was made.

Thanks a lot!!! Deborah

 

[Old Fuff]

DEBORAH:

Welcome to The High Road.

On The High Road the Technical Support sub-forum is where the moderators and geeks that make the forum run hang out. A question like yours should be over in the revolver sub-forum, and I suspect a kindly moderator will move it there. Not to worry – they don’t bite.

To answer your question. I believe you have a Smith & Wesson .32 Hand Ejector, Model of 1903, 5th Change.

It was made between 1910 and 1917, within a serial number range running from 102,501 to 263,000. This was a small 6-shot revolver chambered to use the .32 S&W Long Ctg. (not "otg"). Standard barrel lengths were 3 ¼, 4 ¼ and 6 inches (measured from the front of the cylinder to the end of the muzzle. Standard finishes were blue or nickel plate. The stocks were usually made from molded black hard-rubber. The serial number is stamped on the bottom of the butt, the rear face of the cylinder, and the bottom of the barrel above the ejector rod. One of those places may be easier to read.

I can’t tell you much more, but for a $50.00 fee Smith & Wesson will. This is how it’s done:

Given this gun's history within your family, I suggest that you get it "lettered." To do so you will need a snapshot of the gun, a full description including the serial number on the butt, and a check in the amount of $50.00 made out to Smith & Wesson. In exchange the company's historian, Roy G. Jinks, will research the original records (which are not computerized by the way) and send you a letter containing the details of what he finds.

This comprehensive document will contain an overview of the model’s history, followed by the details of your particular gun. This usually includes the caliber, barrel length, finish, and the exact date it was shipped from the factory, and to what distributor or dealer. If there are any special features they will be listed too. This information is often invaluable to both you and future generations.

Additional information on a historical letter will be found at the Smith & Wesson company website at:

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