S&W Model 32-1 serial number lookup

[Teamless]

I have a friend who wants to do a serial number lookup, to know how old their S&W 32-1 is and what it may be worth

This is a .38 Special
I’ve search several places and can’t find anything

Anyone know of a lookup I can use?

Thanks

[Iunnrais]

Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas is a great resource for this.

[carlson1]

You can lost the serial number on a specific thread on the S&aw Forum and you will get a reply.

[bulletslap]

The only record S&W that will give an idea of the age will be a ship date, And you obtain this by sending the S&W Historical Society a hundred bucks or so for a “Letter”.

They were shipped in Serial order, but some people on the S&W forum may have a data base, and the Standard S&W Catalog will have some guidelines as to shipment date.

If you will list a partial serial number I will look it up in the Catalog.

CORRECTION **********

They did NOT ship in serial number order, I left out a word

[puma guy]

The only record S&W that will give an idea of the age will be a ship date, And you obtain this by sending the S&W Historical Society a hundred bucks or so for a “Letter”.

They were shipped in Serial order, but some people on the S&W forum may have a data base, and the Standard S&W Catalog will have some guidelines as to shipment date.

If you will list a partial serial number I will look it up in the Catalog.

The 32-1 revolvers began in 1961, so it's at least 59 years old. If the grips have a diamond around the grip screw it would be dated prior to 1966.
I think production ended in 1974, but I would have to recheck that. From what I can discern they were "J" frame VS "I" frame of the earlier models. I could only find broad ranges of serial numbers for the iterations of the Model 32, Ex. Pre war, post war, etc. As stated by bulletslap and others the S&W forum is your friend.

[Teamless]

Thanks for the replies from everyone

I guess I was hoping it was like a cars VIN, where there would be a simple record about it

Puma Guy, that info is great and much more than I could find! Really appreciate the comments!

I’ll get with my friend next time we chat and see if they can send me a photo of the grip/screws

From the looks of it, I visually guessed about 50 years old, and looks like it would be close to that


As the gun had no rust or pitting, stainless, and likely hasn’t been shot more than a couple hundred times ever,
—- any ideas of the value (roughly!)?

[The Annoyed Man]

Thanks for the replies from everyone

I guess I was hoping it was like a cars VIN, where there would be a simple record about it

Puma Guy, that info is great and much more than I could find! Really appreciate the comments!

I’ll get with my friend next time we chat and see if they can send me a photo of the grip/screws

From the looks of it, I visually guessed about 50 years old, and looks like it would be close to that


As the gun had no rust or pitting, stainless, and likely hasn’t been shot more than a couple hundred times ever,
—- any ideas of the value (roughly!)?

I’ll give you $10 for it right now, cash money on the barrel head!

[Teamless]

Thanks for the replies from everyone

I guess I was hoping it was like a cars VIN, where there would be a simple record about it

Puma Guy, that info is great and much more than I could find! Really appreciate the comments!

I’ll get with my friend next time we chat and see if they can send me a photo of the grip/screws

From the looks of it, I visually guessed about 50 years old, and looks like it would be close to that


As the gun had no rust or pitting, stainless, and likely hasn’t been shot more than a couple hundred times ever,
—- any ideas of the value (roughly!)?

I’ll give you $10 for it right now, cash money on the barrel head!

If this lady were selling it, I would have already bought it!
Too much sentimental value to her. She hadn’t had it out in probably 30 years

[K-Texas]

I have a friend who wants to do a serial number lookup, to know how old their S&W 32-1 is and what it may be worth

This is a .38 Special
I’ve search several places and can’t find anything

Anyone know of a lookup I can use?

Thanks

Probably wouldn't take but a few minutes to get your questions answered at the S&W Froum.

[puma guy]

Thanks for the replies from everyone

I guess I was hoping it was like a cars VIN, where there would be a simple record about it

Puma Guy, that info is great and much more than I could find! Really appreciate the comments!

I’ll get with my friend next time we chat and see if they can send me a photo of the grip/screws

From the looks of it, I visually guessed about 50 years old, and looks like it would be close to that


As the gun had no rust or pitting, stainless, and likely hasn’t been shot more than a couple hundred times ever,
—- any ideas of the value (roughly!)?

It would depend on condition and whether it has the box, accessories and paper work. Gun Broker would be a good source.
I found this. It may be on the high end; I really haven't checked any other sources. Note it has a flat cylinder latch; I'd have to check when that was changed.

Monty Whitley, Inc.

20263-120263-220263-320263-520263-620263-720263-8
S&W .38 TERRIER MODEL 32-1 REVOLVER

$895.00

.38 S&W caliber, 2″ barrel, finished blue with casehardened hammer & trigger. Checkered diamond walnut factory modified J frame grips. In as new condition showing little evidence of use. Retaining 99% plus blue, mint grips and bore. In it’s original factory box numbered to the gun with warranty card, cleaning rod & brush and the original purchase invoice.
SKU: G202635 Category: Smith & Wesson

[puma guy]

I called and asked them. They have me a date range

What was it?