SUPER EARLY production Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless First Model, SN: 17, factory nickel with gutta-percha grips, in an original factory box with correct end label and a cleaning brush. Low SN, top condition, and ANTIQUE!!!

Description:

Standard configuration S&W 32 Safety Hammerless New Departure break-open revolver manufactured 1888-1902 in .32 S&W caliber, this example SN: 17, with 3.5" barrel, nickel-plated finish and gutta-percha grips. Pinned half-moon front sight and fixed U-notch rear sight. Top of solid barrel rib with two-line address referencing manufacturer, location in Springfield, Massachusetts, and a variety of patent dates. Serial number "17" appears on the bottom of the grip frame, rear face of the 5-shot cylinder, and barrel latch mechanism. No S&W logo on the right side of frame. Fitted with black hard rubber grips, each panel with a molded S&W logo, the serial number "17" scribed inside the right grip. Complete with an original factory box with orange end label marked "SMITH & WESSON / NEW 32 DEPARTURE / NICKEL 3 1/2 INCH" to include cleaning brush. The Safety Hammerless was known as the "New Departure" to reflect Smith & Wesson's innovative approach to revolver design, featuring an internal hammer and a back-strap grip safety for concealed carry, later nicknamed the "Lemon Squeezer". ANTIQUE!!!

Condition:

Bright 97-98% original nickel finish few areas of milkiness, very fine handling marks, usual scratches on the cylinder, and a small mar on the right side of the barrel that breaks through the finish, with comparable condition fire blued parts, the case colors on the face of the trigger having largely faded to gray with thinning of the blued trigger guard. Gutta percha grips with slightly blunted checkering and brown-aged toning. Mirror bore. Correct manual mechanics with each cylinder indexing properly. VG+ original box with age darkening and usual shelf wear, no separations.