S&w 1902 32-20 ?

[Josey]

I have a S&W 1902 in 32 Winchester Ctg according to the barrel. It is a round butt, 5" and has walnut and hard rubber grips. 30XX s/n When was this made? Were many made in this configuration? I haven't seen many revolvers with two sets of grips before.

 

[Mike Irwin]

You've got a .32-20 Hand Ejector, First Model.

Judging by the 4 digit serial number, it was made in 1901 or 1902, by my guess.

There should be NO locking lug under the barrel for the ejector rod (giving it a Colt-like appearance).

Both rubber and walnut grips were offered, but the rubber grips are by far the most common. It's likely that one set of grips was added later, althought they could be original to the gun.

It might be worth querying S&W over.

 

[FPrice]

Josey...

"It might be worth querying S&W over."

I think Mike is understating this. I definitely think something this old is worth sending a history request to Roy Jinks. While the chances of this particular gun being historically significant are small, just having the history of a firearm that's over 100 years old would be neat.

It would most likely be $30 well spent.

 

[Old Fuff]

Josey:

Mike is correct. Your revolver is a .32 Hand Ejector, First Model - not a model 1902. If the walnut grips are original to the gun they would have been special ordered, and this possibility more then justifies getting a factory letter.

S&W made 20,975 of these first K-frame revolvers in .38 caliber, but only 5,311 in .32-20. All were manufactured between 1899 to 1902.

 

[inventory0297]

Definitely get it lettered, the walnut stocks probably came later, but its worth finding out. Do they look like this?



Either way, a very nice old piece, whats the condition?

 

[Josey]

The condition is good. This was a LEO piece. The finish has been reblued and seen significant holster wear since. The piece was well cared for and mechanically fine. The grips in walnut are inset with gold "old" S&W logos and diamonds at the escutcheons for the gripscrew. I was struck by the round butt on a 5" barrel revolver.