32 Regulation Police?
- Thread starter CKPOMEH
- Start date
I have a couple of them. I think $600 is a fair price for that one. I also like the shorter barrel.
I've paid more for several that were pristine. The main thing is to make sure the action functions smoothly and the stocks have the patent stamp. For some reason, it's not unusual to run into these that have been barely used or carried.
I've paid more for several that were pristine. The main thing is to make sure the action functions smoothly and the stocks have the patent stamp. For some reason, it's not unusual to run into these that have been barely used or carried.
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Looks like Wiregrassguy gave you a good date. They started putting "Made in USA" on the right side in about 1922. Doesn't look like yours has it, so it's a pretty early gun. They were serialized with the HE 32 line, which are similar. Over time I was able to pick up a couple of boxes. They are interesting delicate and elegant little pistols.
The .38 RP had a different serial number series and only held 5 rounds. They're cool too and for some reason are valued less. Unlike the .32 RP, that actually have a "Regulation Police" imprint on the barrel. I have one of those too but can't seem to find a box for it.
The .38 RP had a different serial number series and only held 5 rounds. They're cool too and for some reason are valued less. Unlike the .32 RP, that actually have a "Regulation Police" imprint on the barrel. I have one of those too but can't seem to find a box for it.
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45NUTT
Member
If I had seen it in a shop, this thread would have been entitled "Look what came home with me today!"
90% for $600...............all day long baby.
90% for $600...............all day long baby.
45NUTT
Member
I snagged one on GB for less than yours is priced. I guess none of the 32 Long Reg Police guys were lurking that week! Mine might be 80%. Trying to upload a picture from my phone.
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45NUTT
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oldcop71
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I lucked out and picked up an almost as-new .32 RP at a pawn shop 4-5 years ago. They didn't know what they had and had it marked at $350. I left skid marks getting it to the checkout counter. When I got home, my SCSW4th suggest a value of up to1K! A couple of weeks later I saw another one at Larry's West up in Madison in the original box. It was marked $1K, and sold in a week...
Pawn shops and gun shops have since caught on that there is an apparent resurgence of interest in the .32 caliber revolvers in general and I-frames in particular. The last one I found at a reasonable price was an I-frame .32 HE for $499.
I did find an H&R .32 SW Long snub nose at a pawn shop for $90 dollars and snatched it up.
Pawn shops and gun shops have since caught on that there is an apparent resurgence of interest in the .32 caliber revolvers in general and I-frames in particular. The last one I found at a reasonable price was an I-frame .32 HE for $499.
I did find an H&R .32 SW Long snub nose at a pawn shop for $90 dollars and snatched it up.
OP
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Folks - an update here, I went in earlier today and picked it up for $500. Very happy with the purchase, all checked out fine - stamp on stocks is there, all serial numbers were matching, no signs of tempering with it.
I had called on Monday to inquire if the seller would entertain an offer, they told me the owner deals with those type of request, and i should call back in two weeks to inquire as she is out of the country. Today, I had a way towards this part of town, and decided to stop by...I tried to not smile too much when I noticed they had put it on sale for $500 (no need to even bargain this time, wow). I looked it over one more time and bought it.
Will post pics tomorrow when the attachments are back up, but wanted to inquire about date of manufacture - the SN is not 327446 but 367446. Given the absence of the Made in USA stamp that started in 1922, I am assuming it is 1921 or early 1922 but if someone can confirm for me, I would really appreciate it! I could not pin it as exact as some members can here with the SWSC#5...
Thanks, folks for the feedback and encouragement to buy - very happy with the purchase!
OP
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Guy - I had mistaken the SN originally - the SN is not 327446 but 367446. Given the absence of the Made in USA stamp that started in 1922, I am assuming it is 1921 or early 1922 but if you could confirm for me, I would really appreciate it! I could not pin it as exact as you did in my SWSC#5...are you using a different source? (I am assuming so)...
S&W ordered stamping the one line Made in USA in May 1922. In the reference I use, some guns with serials before yours were shipping after May 1922 and some guns with serials after yours were shipping before then. It's the old "S&W did not ship in serial number order" axiom. Also, we know that implementation of stamping did not occur until some time after the order was issued. About all I can conclude is your gun was made in late 1921 or early 1922.
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Adding some pictures. I am very lousy with the pics, sorry about that...main cosmetic issue is the scratch on the left side of the barrel, under the front sight...
Very nice gun and I think the price is just about right for the condition it is in.
Green Frog
Member
I’m somewhat behind the curve on I frame prices, having only bought 1 in the last few years. Since it was sort of rare and on my “ list” I paid a premium for it… but I wanted it! As for the RP in question, I’d be comfortable @$500 and maybe @$550, but I’d have to really want it @$600, but then again, when did you see another one like it at any price?
HMMMM
HMMMM
45NUTT
Member
If I had seen that one in the wild, I would have asked would you take $500? After dickering a bit, it would have come home with me no matter what.
