S&W 32-20 revolver age question.

[DGW1949]

Anyone here able to ascertain year of manufacture and aproximate value of an old S&W Model 1905 revolver in 32-20 caliber by serial number?...I've tried looking on line but no dice...Blued, 6", barrel marked "32 WCF CTG", Ser#: 63XXX ...All original, VG+ condition .....Thanks for any help.

DGW

 

[arfmel]

You probably need to find someone who has a copy of The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica and Nahas, or buy a copy. That will help narrow down the shipping date. And provide you with a lot of other very good information about S&W handguns. If I recall correctly, S&W didn't keep records of manufacture date by serial number, but had records for some guns by ship date.

IMO the best way to figure out the actual value is to check Gunbroker, looking at "advanced search" for "closed auctions" resulting in a sale for a revolver like yours.

 

[the_leper_colony]

IIRC, a S&W revolver chambered for .32-20 will generally be worth more than an identical revolver chambered for .32 S&W, so that's a plus!

As always IMHO, FWIW, YMMV, IIRC, etc., etc.

 

[Cholo]

According to the Standard Catalog it's called: 32-20 Hand Ejector Model of 1905 - 3rd Change. They were made from 1909-1915 with a serial # range of 45201-65700. That would put yours about 1914 or maybe early 1915. VG=$575 EXC=$750

Selling prices can vary quite a bit from the Catalog.

 

[DGW1949]

Thank you! to everyone who replied....And to Cholo: I was guessing early 1900's and approximately $650, so I guess that I was in the ball park...It really is a nice example of old-school craftsmanship. Kinda hate to see it go, but it belongs to my wife. She don't like the caliber and wants it gone, so....

DGW

 

[the_leper_colony]

...It really is a nice example of old-school craftsmanship. Kinda hate to see it go, but it belongs to my wife. She don't like the caliber and wants it gone, so....

Yeah, same thing happened years ago, with my missus & a nice Winchester M1 Carbine!
:^|

 

[WendyZXZ]

I agree about getting the Standard Catalog of S&W but beware you can get lost in looking up things beyond what you specifically were checking for!