Identify Smith & Wesson

C

cidblue

Inactive
I just inherited two S&W revolvers. I know I can send $30 to S&W but I wanted to get some info first. The first one is a .38 Chiefs Special Airweight, Nickel finish with pearl handles, Model 37, 2 inch barrel, round butt and in original box with warranty date of April 15, 1955. Its serial # is: 473754.

Second one is a 32 S&W with a "squeeze" handle. It breaks down for loading. It has a 3 inch barrel and is nickel with pearl handles. Serial # is difficult to distinquish but looks like 258585; the 5's may be 3's. Smith and Wesson Springfield Mass USA is stamped on top of barrel and S&W Trade Mark is on right above pearl handle. 32 S&W CTG is stamped on right of barrel. Made in USA is stamped on right side just behind hinge. Smith & Wesson is tamped on left side of barrel. Any information is appreciated.
 
ID on 2 S&W

Model 37 is a J-frame made in 1955. Nickel and factory pearl grips add value, the factory grips usually have serial # in ink on back. Nice piece, a S&W classic. I never met a S&W I did not like, but the Js are my favorite. 37 was dropped from product line in 2006.l

32 is a Safety Hammerless, I think. Serial # stopped at 242981, produced 1909 to 1937. Only 37000 produced!!!

My facts from Standard Catalog of S&W, great book for any one with collecting interest. The $30 for letter will add to the value of both pieces.

Be careful of shooting with pearl grips, they damage easily, the J-frame will shot better with larger grips. I would have the 32 "lettered" and not fire, it has good value.

Both are really nice pistols.

Shot and pray daily!!!!
 
Id S&w

Also hold onto box, paperwork, hang-tags, receipts. Along with factory letter they add value. Wills, family pictures, statements from relatives create "provinence". Association with law enforcement, famous people, news events all add value.

The gun is always loaded!!!!
 
The .32 is a Safety Hammerless First Model, about 90,000 manufactured. A 2" version would have been a real score. The 3" was the most common barrel length. It is still a nice top break that was extremely popular at the turn of the century.

The Model 37's serial number places it in the mid-sixties (approx), the only way to know for sure is a factory letter. If it has a flat latch thumb piece, it was made prior to 1966. S&W serial numbers are an enigma as they were not assembled according to serial number. The SN's were stamped when the frames were made, then picked from bins as needed.
 
Just a friendly suggestion, it's typically considered prudent to replace the last 2 or 3 digits of the serial number with x's when posting it on the internet (example N21475xx). You never know who might be looking:)
 
Not sure what someone would do with a serial number. Claim it as stolen? Cops ain't that stupid and making a false police report is a felony in most states.
 
I have information from S&W now that the 32 was manufactured in 1911 and the 38 in 1964. Both are like new and 38 is in original box. Can send pictures to anyone interested. Prices will be premium.
 
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