Smith & Wesson

[SouthSide]

I have a Smith & Wesson 32 W.C.F CTG, With Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass U.S.A. Patented October 8, 1901. Dec 17, 1901 Feb 8 1906. Sept 14, 1909. Dec 29, 1914 On the butt of the gun it has 88704, behind the cylinder is 58215. Can you help me on this one. I also have a old US Calvary holster dated 1943. If possible can you give me values on these items.

Thanks, Janis

 

[Old Fuff]

You have a Smith & Wesson .32 1905 Hand Ejector/Military & Police Model - 4th change. The 4th change series were made between 1915 to 1940 within a serial number range running from 65,701 to 144,684 and I'd estimate that #88,704 was made during the early 1920's.

The serial number was stamped on the butt (which is the one you go on) the back of the cylinder, and the bottom of the barrel above the ejector rod. If the back of the cylinder is stamped with the number 58215 it would indicate that the present cylinder is from another gun. If the number is stamped on the frame and yoke (you have to swing out the cylinder to see these) you are looking at an assembly number that was stamped on the yoke and frame to be sure the hand-fitted yoke got back into the right frame.

Values on both would depend on their condition, and originality. A replaced cylinder would lower the gun's value - perhaps substantially. Without more information relative to condition I can't tell you more.

 

[Jim K]

Just a quick note to say that .32 WCF (Winchester Center Fire) is commonly known as the .32-20, and is not the same as .32 S&W or .32 S&W Long, cartridges the .32 Hand Ejector was also made for.

Jim