Smith & wesson 32 winchester ctg?

[gollyga]

I just purchased a S & W revolver, and really don't know exactly what I have. It is blue finish with hard rubber grips, and the barrel measures 4 inches. On the barrel it states Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA, with patd April 9 89. March 27 94. May 2 95. July 10 95, Aug 4th 96. Dec 22 96, Oct 4 98. Oct 8 01. Dec 17. Can't see the year for the last date. The only numbers that I can find are one stamped on the inside when you open the cylinder 11876, and the other is stamped on the inside of one of the grips 20773. If anyone could give me any info, I would really appreciate it!!!

 

[rcmodel]

Well, it's a 32-20 WCF caliber for starters.

Serial number 11876, if that is the actual serial number, makes it a .32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1902, 1st. Change.
They were manufactured between 1903 - 1905.

But if it is really a S&W and not a Spanish copy, I believe the actual serial number should be stamped on the bottom of the steel grip frame.

rc

 

[gollyga]

No serial number stamped on the bottom of the frame/grip. The only two numbers that I could fine were on the inside of the cylinder, and stamped on the back side of one of the grips. The guy that I purchased it from said that his brither had it for 50 yrs.

 

[gollyga]

That's brother, oops

 

[gollyga]

How can you tell if it is a Spanish copy? It has the smith & wesson stamp, patd dates, and says that springfield mass usa. Also didn't put in original post but cylinder holds 6 rounds.

 

[Jim K]

The number on the crane and on the frame under the crane are assembly numbers, S&W always put the serial number on the bottom of the butt, with one exception which was not made in .32-20.

Serial number 11876 would have been a .32-20 HE, Model 1902, First Change, but those had no patent numbers on the barrel.

Serial number 20773 would be a .32-20 HE, Model 1905, First Change, which would have had those patent dates. About 11,073 of that variation were made in 1906-1907.

There is a problem, though. If the serial number was removed, and it looks like it was, possession of the gun is illegal under federal law whether or not the current possessor removed the number.

Jim

 

[gollyga]

How can you tell if this is spanish? It is stamped Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA. It looks like it is made as well as my newer s & revolvers. Aslso, I forgot to put in original post that it does not have adjustable sights, and the cylinder holds 6.

 

[gollyga]

That missing serial number could be a problem if I was planning on selling it, but just plan on cleaning it up and locking it in my safe.

 

[gollyga]

on the areas where the serial number would have been placed, do not look like they have been filed. The blueing is still in good shape.

 

[rcmodel]

Maybe it has been reblued at some point in time.

Can you possibly post some close-up pics of the markings and such.

rc

 

[sixguns4fighting]

It will make a fine kit gun for small game when camping.