old Smith & Wesson 32-20 revolver

Hdonly · December 25, 2023, 09:18 PM

My brother-in-law got this revolver from his father. The barrel is marked 32-20 ctg. i can not see any S&W logos on it. I have also never seen the the style of cylinder lock that is on the crane. It has all the looks of an early Smith & Wesson. It does have "Made in USA" stamped on the right hand front of the frame. Anyone recognize this gun? IMG_20231225_204321940.resized.jpg

IMG_20231225_204340492.resized.jpg

IMG_20231225_203646283.resized.jpg

Hdonly · December 25, 2023, 10:13 PM

Nevermind. It appears to be a cheap Spanish Eibar clone.

stinkeypete · December 25, 2023, 11:19 PM

It's obviously in need of some care and would be a marvellous piece to preserve.

If you've got the patience and craftsmanship, there is a nice youtube video by Mark Novak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rShG_F85W1Y&t=1755s

rc · December 26, 2023, 12:34 AM

Here is one in a bit better condition advertised as a 1924 model in 32-20 with the same funny latch. I was thinking it was a pre M and P model smith and Wesson at first. https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/...LOT499289.aspx

jar · December 26, 2023, 09:00 AM

Don't dismiss the Eibar guns immediately. While there were some junk guns made in Eibar it was also home to some fantastic makers.

**Mike Irwin** · December 26, 2023, 11:55 AM

Given that it's falsely stamped Made in the USA and that it's not stamped with any sort of a maker's mark I would immediately assign it to the bottom rank in quality and would not, under any circumstances, fire it.

Jim Watson · December 26, 2023, 12:27 PM

It is #583 in the Zhuk book:
"Rural Model or M1925, maker unknown, Eibar. An essentially similar .38 M1924 mark by Fabrica de Armas Garantizadas is usually credited to Ojanguren y Vidosa."

The same yoke latch is on #566 which "is marked by Guisasola Hermanos."

I doubt convergent evolution and figure they all came out of the same shop.

Hdonly · December 26, 2023, 03:27 PM

I did a little light cleaning and blew the area up. I does actually say "Made in Spain"

Super Sneaky Steve · December 28, 2023, 04:47 PM

Because it's not very valuable, it would be the perfect gun to refinish. Either learn how to do it yourself or spend a little money on it.

Drm50 · January 4, 2024, 12:40 PM

If no sentimental value is attached best place for it is on the wall, as is. Has no value as a shooter.

December 25, 2023, 09:18 PM	#1
Hdonly Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2013 Posts: 340	old Smith & Wesson 32-20 revolver My brother-in-law got this revolver from his father. The barrel is marked 32-20 ctg. i can not see any S&W logos on it. I have also never seen the the style of cylinder lock that is on the crane. It has all the looks of an early Smith & Wesson. It does have "Made in USA" stamped on the right hand front of the frame. Anyone recognize this gun? IMG_20231225_204321940.resized.jpg IMG_20231225_204340492.resized.jpg IMG_20231225_203646283.resized.jpg

December 25, 2023, 11:19 PM	#3
stinkeypete Senior Member Join Date: July 22, 2010 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 1,293	It's obviously in need of some care and would be a marvellous piece to preserve. If you've got the patience and craftsmanship, there is a nice youtube video by Mark Novak https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rShG_F85W1Y&t=1755s __________________ My book "The Pheasant Hunter's Action Adventure Cookbook" is now on Amazon. Tall tales, hunting tips, butchering from bird to the freezer, and recipes.

December 26, 2023, 11:55 AM	#6
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	Given that it's falsely stamped Made in the USA and that it's not stamped with any sort of a maker's mark I would immediately assign it to the bottom rank in quality and would not, under any circumstances, fire it. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

December 25, 2023, 10:13 PM	#2
Hdonly Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2013 Posts: 340	Nevermind. It appears to be a cheap Spanish Eibar clone.

December 26, 2023, 12:34 AM	#4
rc Senior Member Join Date: April 28, 2001 Location: CA Posts: 1,769	Here is one in a bit better condition advertised as a 1924 model in 32-20 with the same funny latch. I was thinking it was a pre M and P model smith and Wesson at first. https://auctions.morphyauctions.com/...LOT499289.aspx

December 26, 2023, 09:00 AM	#5
jar Senior Member Join Date: March 8, 2001 Location: Deep South Texas Posts: 1,670	Don't dismiss the Eibar guns immediately. While there were some junk guns made in Eibar it was also home to some fantastic makers. __________________ To be vintage it's gotta be older than me!

December 26, 2023, 12:27 PM	#7
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,546	It is #583 in the Zhuk book: "Rural Model or M1925, maker unknown, Eibar. An essentially similar .38 M1924 mark by Fabrica de Armas Garantizadas is usually credited to Ojanguren y Vidosa." The same yoke latch is on #566 which "is marked by Guisasola Hermanos." I doubt convergent evolution and figure they all came out of the same shop.

December 28, 2023, 04:47 PM	#9
Super Sneaky Steve Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 2011 Posts: 1,250	Because it's not very valuable, it would be the perfect gun to refinish. Either learn how to do it yourself or spend a little money on it.

January 4, 2024, 12:40 PM	#10
Drm50 Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2014 Posts: 1,382	If no sentimental value is attached best place for it is on the wall, as is. Has no value as a shooter.