Smith & Wesson .32 Double Action Fourth Model, .32 S&W, 3 inch, Nickel, Factory-Documented Hartley & Graham Shipment (1900)
This is a Smith & Wesson .32 Double Action Fourth Model top-break revolver, factory-documented with a historian letter noting shipment via Hartley & Graham. It features a nickel finish, a 3 inch barrel, a five-shot fluted cylinder, and matching serials on the butt and cylinder. Manufactured in 1900, it currently wears smooth white mother-of-pearl–style grip panels.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Poor - Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Bore Rifling: Poor Rifling - Rifling heavily worn or filled with fouling or debris.
Specific Condition Notes: The firearm shows use and wear consistent with its age. The frame displays spots of surface rust. The barrel is bulged. The revolver does not include the original black hard-rubber grips referenced in the factory letter and instead has smooth white mother-of-pearl–style grip panels installed.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson factory historian letter (dated March 15, 2024)
- White mother-of-pearl–style grip panels (installed)
The Fourth Model is a notable evolution in the .32 Double Action series, retaining the top-break design with an automatic star ejector and double-action operation. This example falls within the recognized production range for the Fourth Model and has matching serials on the butt and cylinder, reinforcing its originality.
Configuration includes a 3 inch barrel, a round-butt frame, and a nickel finish on the frame, cylinder, and receiver. Sighting consists of a pinned half-moon front and a notch in the top latch for the rear. The exposed hammer has a checkered spur for positive manipulation.
The cylinder is five-shot and fluted, aligned with the .32 S&W chambering. The top-break action with automatic ejection makes for quick extraction and reload of spent cases, characteristic of Smith & Wesson’s design in this era.
Provenance is supported by the included Smith & Wesson factory historian letter documenting this specific revolver and its shipment via Hartley & Graham. The letter also notes that the revolver originally shipped with black hard-rubber stocks; the revolver now wears smooth white mother-of-pearl–style grip panels.