Mint Smith & Wesson .32 Caliber Double Action Revolver (4th Model) with Rare Original Box

Smith & Wesson – 4th Model Double Action

Manufacture: 1883–1909 – Caliber: .32 S&W Short – Features: Mint condition, original box

History

Smith & Wesson Double Action revolvers chambered in .32 and .38, featuring an exposed hammer, enjoyed enduring success from their introduction in the late 19th century. Designed to meet the growing demand for compact, reliable, and easy-to-use firearms, they quickly established themselves as benchmarks for personal carry and close-range defense. Although the "Safety Hammerless" version—lacking an exposed hammer—appealed to some due to its discreet profile and safety features, the traditional model with an exposed hammer remained highly popular. It offered the versatility of both single- and double-action firing—a feature particularly prized by users seeking a balance of precision and speed. The model presented here is a 4th Model, a direct evolution of earlier versions; it is distinguished by its elegant lines and mechanical improvements, notably the adoption of a new cylinder stop that enhanced the weapon's reliability. With approximately 240,000 units produced, this revolver perfectly embodies Smith & Wesson’s craftsmanship at the turn of the century and remains an iconic piece of American collectible weaponry today.

Our Model

This Smith & Wesson 4th Model revolver—perfectly preserved and truly "mint" in condition—is presented with its rare original box, a set highly sought after by collectors.

The blued finish is nearly 100% intact, with only minute areas of loss on the cylinder that do not detract from the excellent overall appearance. The hammer and trigger retain their superb original case-hardening, with colors that remain vivid and aesthetically pleasing. The factory markings—deeply stamped and perfectly legible on both the barrel and the frame—attest to meticulous craftsmanship and a remarkable surface finish. Serial number 242XXX, found on the various frame components and the cylinder, indicates late production of the 4th Model and confirms the firearm's perfect matching-number integrity. This fine example is complemented by superb original grips featuring the Smith & Wesson logo specific to the 4th Model; they are perfectly fitted and in an excellent state of preservation.

The original cardboard box—a particularly rare item given its fragility—is a major asset for any collection. It matches the firearm perfectly, as evidenced by the interior and exterior labels specifying: Smith & Wesson Double Action .32 caliber, blued finish, and 3½-inch barrel. Despite its age, the box remains in excellent condition.

Mechanically, the operation is flawless: there is no play and no excessive cylinder gap, with firm, precise locking in both single- and double-action modes. The barrel—featuring the rare 3½-inch length and chambered for .32 S&W Short—has a mirror-like bore with crisp, deep rifling, best described as near-mint condition.

This Smith & Wesson set—in such outstanding condition and accompanied by its matching box—is undoubtedly a premier, definitive piece for a fine collection of antique American firearms.

The firearm comes with its classification certificate issued by the Saint-Étienne National Proof House.