Need Help w/early 20th century S&W

[Reinz]

I bought this 5 or8 years ago and forgot all of the pertinent information.

All I remember is that it was late 1800’s or early 1900’s.

What model is this? No markings other than SW address and patent ‘94.

The caliber marking on the barrel is 32 Winchester Ctg. Thus, 32-20

The serial number under the crane is 3890.

The bore looks as if there is old hardened black powder fouling. So I was wondering if this was a black powder only gun? Maybe being from an era where smokeless powder was not the only game in town, both types of ammo were used?

Any help would be appreciated.

BTW - the Nickel on the cylinder is not yellow, the lights above are old putting out yellow light.

 

[Jonesy814]

Looks like a 1930’s revolver to me

 

[L-2]

My guess, as I'm no expert but do have the Standard Catalog of S&W book available, is the OP's gun is a .32-20 Hand Ejector 1st Model. These were built between 1899-1902, with s/n range of 1 to 5311, so maybe year 1900 or 1901.

I also don't know if the serial number would or would not have been located under the crane, or if the s/n would be elsewhere such as on the butt and also marked on the grips (which might be illegible or not the orginal grips at this point being over 120 years later).

 

[Mark_Mark]

COOL GUN!

wish 32-20 brass was more available

 

[Jim Watson]

Serial number is - or was - on the butt. Repeated on the bottom of the barrel, rear of the cylinder, back side of the extractor. Number under the yoke is an internal factory fitting number.

It has a latch lug under the barrel so it is not a First Model; depending on the actual serial number and the internal layout, it is either a Second Model, 1902 or a Third Model, 1905 and later.

 

[Reinz]

COOL GUN!

wish 32-20 brass was more available

I just bought 1000 cases 3-4 weeks ago from Starline.

 

[Reinz]

On the butt- 7594

I feel like such an idiot, However, I was up over 24 hours straight when I set up the thread.

 

[Mark_Mark]

I just bought 1000 cases 3-4 weeks ago from Starline.

did you do a backorder? and it shipped

 

[CajunBass]

On the butt- 7594

That would make it a Winchester 32-20 Hand Ejector, Model of 1902, best I can tell. It fits the S/N range, has the front locking lug, appears to have a knurled ejector rod knob, fixed sights, round butt, and the hard rubber grips have the S&W logo. Others will come along and correct me it I'm wrong.

 

[Dave DeLaurant]

I just bought 1000 cases 3-4 weeks ago from Starline.

Are you married to the owner? If so, can I be your friend?

 

[Tall]

That would make it a Winchester 32-20 Hand Ejector, Model of 1902, best I can tell. It fits the S/N range, has the front locking lug, appears to have a knurled ejector rod knob, fixed sights, round butt, and the hard rubber grips have the S&W logo. Others will come along and correct me it I'm wrong.

I agree it is likely a Model 1902. Mine is an 1899 in 32 WCF so no locking lug on the barrel. It's an early K frame Smith. They shoot great!

 

[Tall]

The serial number is stamped on the bottom of the butt.

 

[Tall]

The number stamped in the crane area is an assembly number used at the factory. It's not the serial number.

 

[L-2]

Here's more/better info from my book based on the s/n and the very knowledgeable folk on this forum:

".32-20 Hand Ejector Model 1902 (.32-20 Hand Ejector Second Model) Caliber – .32-20 Winchester, double-action revolver built on the round butt K frame with 4 screws. 4-inch, 5-inch or 6-1 ⁄ 2 " round pinned barrel lengths, 6-shot fluted cylinder with a nominal length of 1.56", blue or nickel finish, similar in design to first model, now made with a locking lug under the barrel to hold the front of the cylinder rod and a knurled round extractor knob which is threaded to the rod. Grips were checkered black hard rubber with the S&W monogram or checkered walnut without the monogram. Serial number range 5312 to 9811, with 4,499 manufactured circa 1902-1905.

Supica, Jim,Nahas, Richard. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson) (p. 152). F+W Media. Kindle Edition. "

 

[Mark_Mark]

I just bought 1000 cases 3-4 weeks ago from Starline.

if you ever want to sell some of them brass! tons of people are looking!!!

 

[Reinz]

did you do a backorder? and it shipped

Yes, it was back ordered and shipped within just a few weeks.

 

[Reinz]

if you ever want to sell some of them brass! tons of people are looking!!!

I’m a high volume shooter, this order is just dipping my toe into the water to see how I like it.

I also recently bought a Cimarron 1873 lever action in 32-20, and these guns eat a lot of ammo!

 

[Reinz]

Thank y’all so much for the great information!