luckywdw:
You have an interesting revolver...
It is a Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless (New Departure) 3rd. Model
It was introduced in 1888 and continued in production until 1937. The 3rd. Model was the last, being made from 1900 to 1937, within a serial number range running from 170,000 to 242,981. I suspect your gun was made during the late 1920’s or early 30’s.
They no longer stamped the patent dates on the rib. Some, but not all were marked “Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass, U.S.A.” After May 1922 they added the “Made in U.S.A.” stamp on the right side of the frame. Shortly thereafter they also revised the design of the firing pin to prevent breakage.
Standard barrel lengths were 2” (scarce) 3 and 3 ½ inches, although lengths up to 6 inches are known.
The pearl stocks may be original, or aftermarket ones. Genuine S&W pearl grips had a trademark medallion inset at the top. Standard stocks were black hard-rubber, and any pearl stocks add to the value of the piece, but factory pearl is more substantial.
You may have noticed a bar or lever on the back of the handle. It’s a grip safety, and an exclusive Smith & Wesson feature. They claimed that it made the gun absolutely safe to carry in a pocket or purse, and could even prevent a small (very small) child from firing it because they didn’t have the hand span or strength to both depress the safety and pull the double-action trigger.
Given its period of manufacture it’s safe to shoot with current ammunition, which is expensive, but available. Smith & Wesson correctly claimed that it was much superior to a .25 caliber automatic (such as Colt made) and functionally equal to the .32 ACP.
One hint: Don't try to take it apart unless absolutely necessary. To remove the cylinder, open the barrel and while holding the latch forward and up, pull up on the cylinder while turning it counter-clockwise.
You have an interesting revolver...
It is a Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless (New Departure) 3rd. Model
It was introduced in 1888 and continued in production until 1937. The 3rd. Model was the last, being made from 1900 to 1937, within a serial number range running from 170,000 to 242,981. I suspect your gun was made during the late 1920’s or early 30’s.
They no longer stamped the patent dates on the rib. Some, but not all were marked “Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Mass, U.S.A.” After May 1922 they added the “Made in U.S.A.” stamp on the right side of the frame. Shortly thereafter they also revised the design of the firing pin to prevent breakage.
Standard barrel lengths were 2” (scarce) 3 and 3 ½ inches, although lengths up to 6 inches are known.
The pearl stocks may be original, or aftermarket ones. Genuine S&W pearl grips had a trademark medallion inset at the top. Standard stocks were black hard-rubber, and any pearl stocks add to the value of the piece, but factory pearl is more substantial.
You may have noticed a bar or lever on the back of the handle. It’s a grip safety, and an exclusive Smith & Wesson feature. They claimed that it made the gun absolutely safe to carry in a pocket or purse, and could even prevent a small (very small) child from firing it because they didn’t have the hand span or strength to both depress the safety and pull the double-action trigger.
Given its period of manufacture it’s safe to shoot with current ammunition, which is expensive, but available. Smith & Wesson correctly claimed that it was much superior to a .25 caliber automatic (such as Colt made) and functionally equal to the .32 ACP.
One hint: Don't try to take it apart unless absolutely necessary. To remove the cylinder, open the barrel and while holding the latch forward and up, pull up on the cylinder while turning it counter-clockwise.
