smith & Wesson handguns

[lonnieayers]

I have just recently aquired an old 32 caliber revolver and I need help trying to establish the year it was mfg'ed the serial number is 152082 and it is stamped on the side of the barrel 32 s & w ctg and on the other side is smith & wesson springfield mass usa pat'd oct ? 1880 aug 4 1885 apr 9 1890 can anyone help me with this and also it is a 5 shot and it is top breach

 

[Old Fuff]

We have some problems...

The marking on the side of the barrel "32 S&W Ctg" simply denotes the size of the cartridge the revolver is chambered to use, and Smith & Wesson made several different model revolvers that were so marked.

The serial number and patent markings could have also been used on different model revolvers, and the ones you listed don't make an exact match with any particular gun.

So I think I may know, but can't be absolutely sure. We need to know:

1. Is this a top-break revolver that has an enclosed hammer and a bar (grip safety) on the back of the handle? Or does it have a conventional hammer that you can cock with your thumb, and no grip safety bar?

2. How long is the barrel - measured from the front of the cylinder to the end of the muzzle? I would expect either 3 or 3 1/2 inches.

Then we'll go from there.

 

[lonnieayers]

the gun has an interal hammer with grip safety. and it has a 2 inch barrel

 

[Jim Watson]

We are going to need some close clear pictures.
The two inch barrels are a bit uncommon and worth more money than the 3" or 4" but the gun must be in top-notch condition to have a whole lot of value.

 

[Old Fuff]

Good! Now we are getting somewhere.

My next question concern the patent dates. Are the stamped on the side of the barrel, or on the top of the barrel rib?

 

[lonnieayers]

the patent dates are stamped on the side of the barrel and the gun is in fairly reasonable condition

 

[Old Fuff]

Well piece-by-piece things are coming together...

You have a Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless, 2nd. Model - Bicycle Gun.

Your revolver dates from between 1902 and approximately 1909, as it falls within a serial number range running from 91,418 to 170,000. Standard barrel lengths were 3 or 3 1/2 inches (I'll get to your gun later) but lengths as long as 6 inches are known. The 5-shot cylinder was chambered to shoot the .32 S&W cartridge. Cataloged finishes were full blue, or nickel plate with a blued trigger guard. The trigger was color casehardened. Stocks were usually made from molded black hard-rubber, with pearl being an extra cost option. If the stocks on your revolver are original they will be serial numbered to the gun on the inside, because they were individually fitted to it. Be careful how you handle the stocks because the material becomes brittle with age.

About 1890 S&W introduced what they called a "Bicycle Gun." This was a special version of their .32 Safety Hammerless revolver with a short 2-inch barrel. Because the barrel was so short they had to stamp the patent dates on the side of the barrel, rather then on the barrel rib, which was the usual place. Many longer barreled guns have been shortened to 2-inches and less, but the patent dates on the side of the barrel will help identify the genuine factory product.

In the 1890's and early 1900's Bicycles became very popular, but attacking dogs (and sometimes criminals) could make riding hazardous. The small Safety Hammerless was completely safe to carry, even if the rider took a spill, and with its short barrel length even a lady could easily carry one.

A standard model revolver of this kind usually sells for around $200 to $400 on the collector's market. However a genuine Bicycle Gun will sometimes sell for twice the regular price.

Considering the potential value of the gun, I suggest that you obtain a historical letter from Smith & Wesson so that you have absolute proof of what your gun is. In most cases if you sell the gun the buyer will pay you as much or more then the letter cost so that they will have it. Details follow:

The information concerning historical letters of authentication from Smith & Wesson’s historian, Roy G. Jinks can be obtained from the link listed below.

In exchange for a $50.00 research fee (make any check out to Smith & Wesson, not Mr. Jinks) he will search through the company’s original records until he finds your particular revolver. He will then send you an official letter which usually includes:

A short history of the revolver model’s background.

What the barrel length, caliber/cartridge, finish and stocks were, as well as the exact date it was shipped from the factory – and to what distributor, dealer or individual – as whatever the case may be.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=10001&content=25301&sectionId=10504