Trying to Identify

[ysidive]

I have an old S&W 32 caliber Front Break...
Round Grip with safety on back of grip
5 shot revolver
Barrel marked 32 S & W ctg
4 Inch Barrell
serial on cylinder and Butt reads 143160
I cannot find a model designation
There is something on the top of the barrel down the sight line that I cannot read.
I have attempted to read it with a Magnifying glass, but I still cannot make it out with these old eyes...

I am trying to identify the age and model of this gun....any help would be appreciated...

 

[Jim Watson]

Sounds like a .32 Safety Hammerless 2nd Model made sometime 1902-1909.

 

[Radagast]

Serial number 1450xx shipped October 1906, so that narrows it down to 1902-1906.

 

[Twmaster]

Look something like this:



If yes, like Jim said... 2nd model safety hammerless. Serial indicates made between 1902 and 1906.

 

[chuckpro]

That looks like a "safety hammer less " AKA lemon squeezer. I have one that was my grandfather's. I cant help much on the exact age.

 

[Jim K]

The marking on the barrel rib should read:

"SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. USA", then a string of patent dates.

Those letters are small and hard to read, especially if there is rust or wear obliterating them.

Smith & Wesson did not put any model designation on their guns until around 1957, when they adopted model numbers.

Jim

 

[Zebraranger]

Or does it look like this one, a 3rd Model Double Action made in 1888. This one is a 38 S&W but they were also made in 32.

 

[Driftwood Johnson]

He said it had a grip safety.

Probably a 32 Safety Hammerless. Also known as New Departure, or Lemon Squeezer because of the grip safety.

2nd Model SN range 91418 - 170000. Made between 1902 and 1909.


Does it look like this?