Rare Smith & Wesson Model 1899 Hand Ejector Revolver, .32-20 Caliber, Mirror Finish

Smith & Wesson Revolver – Model 1899
Manufacturing Date: 1899+ — Caliber: .32-20 — Special Feature: 5,311 units produced

History

The Smith & Wesson First Model Hand Ejector, a double-action revolver originally chambered in .32 S&W Long, was produced by the American company starting in 1896.

In 1899, Smith & Wesson introduced a new version in .32-20 WCF caliber (also known as .32-20), officially designated the S&W .32-20 Hand Ejector First Model D.A. Manufactured only between 1899 and 1902, with just 5,311 units produced, this model is distinguished by its particularly modern design for the time. It ushered in the era of swing-out cylinder revolvers for Smith & Wesson, allowing for faster and safer reloading, and featured a reinforced frame better suited to smokeless powder (SPF) ammunition, marking a significant step in the evolution of American handguns.

Our Model

This excellent and rare Smith & Wesson revolver in .32-20 caliber is in superb, untouched condition. Its deep, still-bright bluing is largely preserved and offers a particularly attractive, uniform appearance. The hammer and trigger retain a beautiful period case hardening with well-defined colors. The markings are complete and perfectly legible: the brand logo on the frame, the inscription ".32-20" on the barrel side, as well as the Smith & Wesson address and patents engraved on the top of the barrel—markings known for their fine detail and often partially worn away on examples of this model. The serial number 36XX, visible on the butt plate, under the barrel, and on the cylinder, confirms that this is a First Model Hand Ejector. The original grips, in excellent condition and perfectly fitted, complete the overall look.

Mechanically, the weapon functions perfectly in both single and double action. The cylinder opens and the spent casings are extracted effortlessly. The trigger is smooth, the indexing precise, with no play or gap. The 6.5" barrel, chambered in .32-20, has a mirror-bright bore with only very slight marks at the muzzle.

This rare example of a Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector 1899 revolver, in remarkable condition, is a particularly desirable addition to any antique firearms collection.

It can chamber both .32-20 black powder ammunition and .32-20 Sologne Cowboy ammunition, available on our website (see the Ammunition section).

This firearm is accompanied by its Category D classification certificate, issued by the National Proof House of Saint-Étienne.