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LOT 3343
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 approximately
94 K-32 Hand Ejector Target revolvers Smith & Wesson manufactured from 1936 to
1941, according to “The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson” by Supica and Nahas.
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. 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: 7,000 - 11,000
LOT 3344
Outstanding Smith & Wesson .357 Registered Magnum Double Action Revolver with Registration Certificate, Box, and
Factory Letter - Serial no. 50244, 357 Magnum cal., 8 3/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This Registered Magnum is one
of a very limited number of this model manufactured with an 8 3/8 inch barrel. The accompanying original registration certificate confirms the 8 3/8 inch
barrel, McGivern front sight, and deep “U” notch rear sight as well as being registered to Dr. James Johnson, Jr. of Cumberland, Maryland. Additional shipping
information is provided by the included factory letter. The revolver was shipped on February 18, 1937 and delivered to E.K. Tryon Co. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Along with the barrel length and sights, the factory letter also confirms the blue finish and Magna stocks. The right grip panel is numbered to another gun
(“48736”), “REG. 1964” is stamped on the inside of the frame, and matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, and ejector shroud. The factory box is
numbered on a piece of applied tape to the gun by serial number and registration number.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% plus bright original blue finish with a light cylinder drag line and minimal handling marks. 98% plus original case colors remain on the
hammer and trigger. The period replacement grips are excellent with minimal handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with wear,
separated lid corner, and remnants of tape. A very desirable, high
condition 8 3/8 inch barrel S&W .357 Registered Magnum DA
Revolver that will be a great addition to any S&W or big game
revolver collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
Collector’s Fact
According to "The Standard Catalog of
Smith & Wessons" by Supica & Nahas,
approximately 94 Smith & Wesson K-32
Hand Ejector Target revolvers were
manufactured.