Smith & Wesson 32 revolver

[vemm]

I am interesting in learning more about a Smith & Wesson 32 caliber revolver. This gun was my grandfather's...he has passed away and I know NOTHING about the age, value or anything else about this gun. On the side of the barrel, it is stamped 32 Long OTC and the last patent date on the barrell says Sept 14 08 (or that could say 09). It also says Smith and Wesson Springfield Mass U.S.A. I guess it's the serial # on the bottom of the handle that says 22056

Any information is most helpful!!!
Thanks

 

[mnrivrat]

Sounds like a model 30 hand ejector made starting in 1908 up into the mid 1970's . They were made in both blued and nickel finish in barrel lengths from 2 to 6 inches and had fixed sights.

The s/n sounds like a fairly early one and I'm sure there will be more info coming soon.

 

[Ron James]

If it is a S&W Model 30 then it was made between 1904 and 1906. Build on the old round butt I frame, 5 screw. Listed at 350 NIB , 250 In exc. A very nice , well balance firearm. There are those who say the S&W .32 long is not powerful enought but for years even the police carried it. It is a nice peice of firearm history.

 

[Jim K]

That "OTC" is actually "CTG", the abbreviation for "cartridge."

The designation "Model 30" did not come along until 1958; prior to that, the gun was called the .32 Hand Ejector (as opposed to the "automatic" ejecting top breaks). Yours seems to be the one called the ".32 Hand Ejector, Model 1903, First change.

With that serial number, the patent date should be 1903, not 1908 or 1909.
As Ron says, the gun was made between 1904 and 1906.

Jim