Fred Biffar Co. Secret Service Special .32 S&W Top-Break Revolver, 3 in Nickel, 5-Shot (1910s–1920s)
This Fred Biffar Co. Secret Service Special is a trade-name top-break revolver from the 1910s–1920s, sold by the Chicago retailer and not manufactured by Smith & Wesson. It features a nickel finish, a 3 in ribbed barrel, and classic bird's-head grip frame. Markings include "SECRET SERVICE SPECIAL" on the barrel and "FOR .32 SMITH & WESSON" on the top rib, aligning it squarely with period .32 S&W carry revolvers.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Fouling: Severe Fouling - Extensive corrosion, pitting, or erosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: This revolver shows major wear, finish loss, and areas of rust. Rifling exhibits heavy fouling. The trigger spring is faulty and the trigger must be manually reset. A professional gunsmith should inspect and service the revolver before any firing.
What's Included
- Fred Biffar Co. Secret Service Special .32 S&W revolver
Built on a top-break, hinged steel frame with an automatic star extractor, this revolver reflects a popular early-20th-century carry format. A knurled button on the left side of the topstrap is associated with the latch assembly, providing quick access for loading and unloading.
Chambered in .32 S&W, it uses a five-shot fluted cylinder and operates in double-action/single-action with an exposed hammer and checkered spur. The 3 in barrel has a ribbed top, with a half-moon front blade and an integral rear notch in the top latch for fixed sighting.
The frame, cylinder, and receiver are steel with a nickel finish, paired with checkered black hard-rubber grip panels featuring a circular medallion on a bird's-head grip frame. Country of origin is the United States, and the period of manufacture is the 1910s–1920s.
Barrel markings read "SECRET SERVICE SPECIAL," while the top rib is marked "FOR .32 SMITH & WESSON." The serial number is located on the butt. As a trade-name revolver sold by Fred Biffar Co. of Chicago, it represents a distinct segment of the era's retail-branded handguns.