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LOT 3569
Extremely Rare, Documented Smith & Wesson K-32 Hand Ejector First Model
Target Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 653372, 32 S&W Long
cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This is one of only 94 K-32 Hand Ejector
Target revolvers Smith & Wesson manufactured from 1936 to 1941. These revolvers are
found in the approximate 653388-682207 serial number range and are built on the .38 Military
& Police of the 1905, 4th Change frame and pinned 6 inch round barrel. This example (no.
653372) falls just short of the accepted start of the serial number range. It is one of the rarest pre-war K
frame revolvers manufactured by S&W with only approximately 94 manufactured. After World War II this
model became part of the K-22/K-32/K-38 Masterpiece series of target revolvers. The accompanying factory
letter states the revolver was ordered through Von Lengerke & Antonio Co. of Chicago, Illinois, shipped on
March 13, 1936, and delivered to Walter L. Palla of Princeton, Illinois, with a 6 inch barrel in .32 S&W Long caliber,
blue finish, .38 M&P target frame, and sights set for a 6 o’clock hold. It was billed at $25.99, and it is not often that we catalog S&W shipped to an
individual. These were special order revolvers offered by S&W before the formal announcement to the public that the gun was available for general
sales, and in the factory records these extremely rare pre-war revolvers are listed as a .38 M&P Target in .32 caliber. The checkered silver S&W
medallion grips are numbered to another gun. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, and barrel.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% plus bright original high polish blue finish showing a cylinder drag line and minimal handling marks. 97%
original case colors remain on the hammer and trigger. The replacement grips are excellent with a few handling marks on the bottom and overall
crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 8,000 - 12,000
LOT 3570
Excellent Smith &
Wesson .357 Registered
Magnum Double Action
Revolver with Box - Serial no.
54973, 357 magnum cal., 8 3/4 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish,
walnut grips. This particular Registered Magnum (reg. no. 3184),
is one of only 735 Registered Magnums manufactured with an 8
3/4 inch barrel. The revolver is fitted with a McGivern gold bead
front sight a “U” notched adjustable rear sight, and S&W silver
medallion Magna grips. The right grip panel is numbered to a
different gun. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, and ejector shroud.
Includes a correct S&W model box.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% plus original blue finish with a cylinder drag line
and a few handling marks. The grips are very fine with a couple stress cracks on the
left panel near the top, couple small chips, and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically
excellent. The box is very good.
Provenance: The 50 year Collection of Johnny Walker Birmingham Pistol Wholesale.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
Only 735 Smith & Wesson Registered
Magnum Revolvers were produced
with an 8 3/4 inch barrel.
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