Smith & Wesson Black Powder Revolver, 3″ Barrel, Mirror Bore, .32 Caliber

Smith & Wesson Double Action 4th Model – .32 S&W

Manufactured : 1893+ – Caliber : .32 S&W Short – 3" Mirror Bore

Smith & Wesson Double Action 4th Model pocket revolver retaining its original nickel finish, with excellent mechanical condition and a 3-inch mirror-bright bore. A fine late 19th-century American collector revolver.

History

Smith & Wesson Double Action pocket revolvers in .32 and .38 calibers were widely popular during the late 19th century. The 4th Model was an evolution of the earlier Double Action revolvers, incorporating several mechanical improvements, including changes to the cylinder stop. Unlike the Hammerless models, it retained an exposed hammer, allowing both single- and double-action operation.

Our Model

This revolver retains its original nickel finish, still very well preserved with only light signs of wear. The hammer and trigger retain traces of their original case-hardened finish, while the trigger guard retains its original blue finish. The factory markings on the barrel remain sharp and deeply struck. Serial number 140XXX, found on the butt, cylinder and yoke, confirms matching components and identifies the revolver as a 4th Model. The grips are in excellent condition; the right grip has simply developed a slightly darker tone from exposure to light.

Mechanically, the revolver is in excellent condition, with no significant play or cylinder gap in either single or double action. The opening of the barrel and cylinder assembly has a slight resistance, typical of a little-used mechanism, with firm lock-up. The 3-inch .32 S&W Short barrel has a mirror-bright bore with sharp, well-defined rifling.

A representative example of Smith & Wesson's late 19th-century pocket revolvers, combining its original finish, matching components and excellent mechanical condition.

The revolver is accompanied by its official French Category D classification certificate, issued by the Banc National d'Épreuve de Saint-Étienne.