S & W 32 long CTG??

[francesgun]

Trying to find when the gun was made and to find some history behind the gun. Excellent condition........also trying to find out if it has any value.

S&W 32 Long CTG serial number 518906.........pat numbers feb 6,06 sept 14, 09 dec 29, 14

thanks

 

[Old Fuff]

francesgun:

Welcome to The High Road forum...

I'll try to help you, but your description is rather sparse. With a clear understanding that I could be wrong, this is what I think you have based on the barrel markings and patent dates you provided:

Smith & Wesson 1903 .32 Hand Ejector/Third Model. These were made between 1917 to 1942 in a serial number range from 263,001 to 536,684. I would roughly date your gun as having been made during the late 1930's or possibly 1940 at the latest. These were small, 6-shot revolvers chambered in .32. S&W Long. Standard barrel lengths were 3 1/4, 4 1/4 and 6 inches, with the latter being scarce. Standard finishes were blue or nickel plate with black hard-rubber stocks. Some late production guns had checkered walnut stocks. All had round butt frames, but some were fitted with slightly oversized walnut stocks that converted them to a square-butt configuration. A handfull were equipped with adjustable target sights, but fixed sights were the norm. Value depends on condition, running about $175.00 for average to $300.00 for like-new. Special stocks, barrel lengths or sights would increase the value to some degree.

If this doesn't seem to match what you have come back with a more complete description and I'll try again.

 

[georgie]

S & W 32 long

I have a old "S & W 32 Long CTG" stamped on the barrel. I am guessing on the serial number 115xx( stamped on the cylinder and on the bottom of the barrel) . Can anyone guess on the age or a time when this weapon might have been made? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Old Fuff]

georgie:

Welcome to the High Road.

I'd like to help you, but your description could cover several different makes and models of revolvers.

If you could post a picture it would be a great help. If not we'll need a more complete description.

Are there patent dates on the top or side of the barrel? If so, what are they?

Is there a number stamped on the bottom of the butt? If so, what is it?

What kind of material are the grips made out of? (Wood, black hard rubber, something else?)

How long is the barrel, measured from the cylinder face to the end of the muzzle?

Was the revolver originnally blued, nickel plated or don't know?

The more descriptive information you can post the easier it is to identify your gun.

 

[mjm202036]

Can you help me with this information?

An elderly neighbor has asked me to find out the age of her S&W .32 pistol. It is a 32 Long CTG also on the right side of the barrel with the serial number 539027 on the bottom of the handle, underside of the barrel and backside of the cylinder. It has a 4 1/4 inch barrel. The handle is pearl. The body I think is nickle plated. The S&W trademark is stamped just under the catch release on the left side. The sites are fixed. Inside the housing for the cylinder, where the joint of the arm that moves the cylinder out is the following engraving ... 5232 with an "M" just above and left of the "5" with a number "6" directly under the "5" and the number "8" below and to the right of the "6". The numbers "5232" are also engraved on the arm that holds the cylinder. I hope that is enough information so someone can help me figure out the age of this weapon, since the weapon is past the serial number range that was listed earlier. Thanks.

 

[Old Fuff]

Again a picture would be a great help...

The best clue you provided was the 4 1/4" barrel length, which would tend to suggest that it is a S&W .32 Hand Ejector (Post-War) "Pre Model 30" That was made shortly after World War Two. In 1949 serial numbers started at 356685 and ended in 1960 at 712953. At 359027 I suspect the revolver in question was made during 1949 or '50.

An exact date can be determined for a fee of $30.00 which will bring an official letter from Mr. Roy Jinks, S&W's company historian. He will go back and research the records at the factory, and provide all of the available details on that particular gun. For more information go to the Smith & Wesson company website at: www.smith-wesson.com

 

[mjm202036]

Here's the pictures of the pistol...


Here are four different pictures of the pistol. To me, the pictures make it look like has a black finish, but it's actually nickle/silver in color. I hope that this will help better decide what you might think of the weapon. Got to clean it now and get it back to the owner. I'm sure she will be pleased to know that it's been narrowed down to the years you've already helped me get it to.

If ever get the spare $30, I'll pay it to find out more. Just have to weigh the price of a 3/4 tank of gas or history of a neighbors pistol. :banghead:

 

[Old Fuff]

Your pictures are good enough to confirm the information in post #6, which is as close as we are going to get it. Anything closer will require a letter from Mr. Jinks.

The pearl stocks are really plastic, Made by the J. Scott Company, rather then genuine mother-of-pearl. The revolver came from the factory with checkered walnut grips. You are correct in thinking that it is nickel plated - a standard factory option at the time.

 

[gezzer]

539027, is a post war model made from 1946-1960, this number is most likely in the 47-48 years.

 

[Old Fuff]

539027, is a post war model made from 1946-1960, this number is most likely in the 47-48 years.

I once thought that was the case, but in his book; History of Smith & Wesson, Roy Jinks says:

"When the .32 Hand Ejector was placed back into production on July 14, 1949, several changes were made. The large knob on the end of the extractor rod was eliminated and the new type of hammer block, developed in 1944 was incorporated."

History of Smith & Wesson by Roy G. Jinks, p.149

I chose to go with Jinks on this one.

 

[depicts]

Old Fluff, I have a similar .32 Long that I thought was a 1905 3d Model HE. Is there a 1903 and a 1905 3d Model, and if so, what is the major difference?

I'm just referring to your firsst post on this thread

Thanks

 

[Hammerdown]

The S&W Model 30 & 31

Hello
The S&W model 30 & 31 are great little shooters. They are accurate and have a very mild recoil. My 31 is from around 1967 and is a pleasure to shoot. Before all the Magnum Hype, many Police agencies carried this round on a daily Basis. Regards, Hammerdown

 

[Old Fuff]

Old Fluff, I have a similar .32 Long that I thought was a 1905 3d Model HE. Is there a 1903 and a 1905 3d Model, and if so, what is the major difference?

The 1905 Hand Ejectors were built on S&W's K-frame, and so far as .32 caliber was concerned they were chambered in .32-20 (.32 WCF). There were some exceptions, but they are so scarce that we probably don't need to concern ourselves here.

The 1903 Hand Ejectors were originally based on S&W's smaller I-frame, and later after World War Two changed to the J-frame. These guns were chambered in .32 S&W Long (6 shot) or .38 S&W (5 shot).

Both the 1903 and 1905 series of .32 Hand Ejectors had a 3rd. model, but they are not related, and run in different serial number ranges and dates of manufacture.

 

[depicts]

Old Fluff, thanks, I had been reading the SCSW wrong, and thought my gun was a l905. I can tell from your description it is a 1903, 6 shot .32 long. It's a fun little gun. Tiny sights, but I love it anyway.

Thanks for the information. Once again you have helped me, and a lot of other noobies here on line.

 

[vansgrndsn]

More ?'s about the S&W .32

From reading all the previous inquiries about the S&W .32, I think a have a good grasp on what info is helpful in determining age. Could anyone give me a ballpark on age and value?

Smith & Wesson 32-20 CTG
Serial#: 110636
Manf. in Springfield, Ma.
Patent dates on barrell: Oct.8.01 Dec.17.01 Feb.6.06 Sept.14.09 Dec.29.14
There is also a number engraved on the hinge for the revolver chamber when opened. The number is 43899.
This revolver has a 5 1/4" barrel, total flat measure length of revolver is 11", from tip of barrell to back end of handle. It has a fixed fore-sight.
Four screws on the left side; one screw on the inner slope of the handle.
The handle is wood (not sure what type). Diamond shaped designs [xxxx] with a single large diamond in the center of the wood, on each side, holding another screw.

This is the best description I can provide, less an actual picture. Any info that anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Old Fuff]

Your description is very complete...

You have a Smith & Wesson .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905; 4th Change.

They were made between 1915 to 1940 in a serial number range running from 65,701 to 144,684 with some 78,983 guns being manufactured. I would estimate your revolver was made sometime during the 1920's. Heat treated cylinders started at #81,287. Standard barrel lengths were 4, 5 and 6 inches.

Value depends on condition, but an example with a perfect bore and chambers, O.K. mecanics, and at least 95% original finish is worth about $300.00 give-or-take.

The revolver itself is identical to the Military & Police model (later called the Model 10) except it is chambered in .32-20 rather then .38 Special.

 

[vansgrndsn]

Thanks for the info...

Hey, I REALLY appreciate the feedback Old Fuff
My grandpops said it was given to him when he was about 16. Since then, he has only fired it twice, max. The finish has seen the times, but it has all the original parts as manufactured. What would be a good method of restoring the luster of the metal finish without compromising it's authenticity. The pic on #12 by Hammerdown, of the Model 31 above is just outstanding. I'd like to bring it back to a near mint condition and build a case and ID plate with some of the revolvers history as a just-cause gift for the big-guy. What are some good sources (books, sites, etc.), to start with.

 

[Yitbos69]

S&W .32 Long ctg

I have my grandfathers S&W .32 Long CTG revolver SN#97013 Pat Dates MArch 27 1894, Aug 4th 1896, Oct 8th 1901, Dec 17th 1901, Feb 8 1906.

The color is nickel/chrome it has a walnut diamond pattern grip with a Pat date June 5th 191X

It has the S&W trade mark on the left side of the revolver.

Any information you could give on date of production and value would be great!!

Thanks.

 

[Old Fuff]

Yitbos69:

Welcome to The High Road, and all of that good stuff.

You have... A Smith & Wesson .32 Regulation Police (Pre-War). The patent date on the bottom of the stocks is June 5, 1917

These were a square-butt version of S&W's popular .32 Hand Ejector; Model 1903. Production started in 1917 in the 262,000 range and the serial number was stamped on the forestrap of the frame, the rear of the cylinder, and the flat on the bottom of the barrel above the ejector rod. The number you cited ( 97,013) is way too low for a serial number, so I suspect it may be an assembly number stamped on the frame, under the barrel and behind the yoke. Barrel length were 3 1/4", 4 1/4" and 6" (measured from the cylinder face to the end of the muzzle. Standard finishes were blue or nickel plate. Production of this version ended in 1940, but it was reinstated after the war as the model 31.

 

[carl418]

I thought I had this down pat, but I see I don't! lol.... I have on layaway a .32 Hand Ejector Third Model, serial number 264xxx. According to the serial number, it was made in 1911. But according to SCSW, that model didn't start manufacture until 1917. According to History of S&W (Roy Jinks), that model was 'Incorporated' 1911, produced until 1942. The .32 Hand Ejector Model of 1903 Fifth Change incorporated 1910, produced until 1917. So, it looks like they were being made in some of the same years (1911-1917), and the one I have kept on until 1942. Is that about right? And..... SCSW sais that they are identical in external appearances. So, what was the difference, and why did they make two different guns at the same time? Thanks in advance for the help, and sorry for such a long post!

 

[BluesBear]

carl418

Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson,
Second Edition
Page 93

.32 HAND EJECTOR THIRD MODEL
... Identical in appearance to the 1903 5th Change Model. Serial numbered concurrently with the .32 Regulation Police. Serial range 263001 to 536684 with 271,531 manufactured circa 1917-1942.

Appears to me that yours numbered 264xxx was one of the first ones and was made in 1917.

 

[Old Fuff]

carl418:

Question: Does your soon-to-be revolver have a round butt and black, hard rubber stocks, or a square butt and checkered walnut ones? Or are they entirely different?

Both the .32 1903 Hand Ejector (round butt) and .32 Regulation Police (square butt) models were serial numbered in the same series, but the Regulation Police model was introduced in 1917 in the 262,000 range. .32 Hand Ejectors made at the same time were also numbered in the 262,000 range, and on up so I would estimate that gun #264,xxx was made during 1917 or as late as the early 1920's because World War One got in the way.

 

[carl418]

Mine is the round butt with the black hard rubber grips. And, that SCSW date of 1917 differs from Roy Jinks' History of Smith and Wesson, page 149. That was part of my question, or rather.... loooong disertation! lol... anyway, when I look up the serial number in SCSW, it dates it to 1911.

 

[carl418]

Maybe I should rephrase that manufacture date.... on page 293 of the SCSW, it lists 32 Hand Ejector Series and Models 30,31... Under 3rd Model, it sais 1911-1942. Serial numbers starting at 263001. I would think a 264 would be closer to 1911 than 1917, but that's one of the reasons I'm asking questions here...... I'm no expert! lol

 

[Old Fuff]

I checked, and you're right. But the 1911 date is a typo - it should be 1917.

The .32 Hand Ejector, Model of 1903, 5th change was made from 1910 to 1917 within a serial number range running from 102,501 to 263,000.

History of Smith & Wesson/Jinks: page 148

So your revolver, No. 264,xxx was made in 1917 or later.

I have personally inspected .32 Regulation Police models with serial numbers in the 262,000 range. Part of the confusion is caused because S&W would make and serial number frames, and build them into guns later - sometimes years later.