just bought this piece, not sure of the model. the trigger is like butter on glass. WOW. any info appreciated. ser.#659xxx

Looks like a .22/.32 Hand ejector...made from about 1913 to sometime in the early 1950's. On the old I-frame...looks like a J-frame, but a little smaller and runs on a flat mainspring rather than a coil spring.

Good guns...from your serial number, guess it's a 1930's gun (don't have the reference near at hand to be more specific). Nicely made...and that smmoth feeling action is matched by the finely finished internal parts....things that don't even touch are polished perfectly.

Keeper.

ribbonstone, thankyou for the reply. i'm glad to hear that its a keeper. guess i also hope that the 3 C-notes weren't wasted. how can i find out the year for sure?
guess those old ways have been forgotten.
-dan

ribbonstone, thankyou for the reply. i'm glad to hear that its a keeper. guess i also hope that the 3 C-notes weren't wasted. how can i find out the year for sure?
guess those old ways have been forgotten.
-dan
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Away from 1/2 of my books, so it may be awhile before I can get a more exact date...the 1930's is pure guess work based on the grip style, trigger guard size...could be earlier.

Some haven't forgotten how to make guns like that, at least on an individual baiss...just that you'd not want to pay what the intensive skilled hand-labor like that costs today.

Price is in the right range, just not as many small-frame S&W collectors out there as there are large frame. Been picking up the same era .32SWL Hand Ejectors when they come up for sale at a good price.

ribbonstone,
thanx again for your insight. i imagine you are right about the cost, i was just startled by the difference in the quality between this piece and ones made within the last 10 yrs.
-dan