Question: 

I have a .32 Smith & Wesson Long. I was home on leave from duty at the submarine base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, when, in 1976, my parents lived on a farm in southwest Virginia. As usual, one of Dad’s Ford diesel farm tractors was in need of repair, so I fixed it for him. He was adamant that he pay me something for my labors, which I refused. Right before I had to leave and return to Hawaii, his eyes lit up and said, “I know what I’ll do!” He handed me a .32 S&W. I have had the revolver for more than 40 years and would like to know when it was made and its current value. I have attached photos, but could not get a good shot of the inside of the barrel. Basically, it is pristine. The barrel is shiny and clean with no evidence of wear or defects, and the bluing is like new. The serial number is H105XXX.

 -C.M.N. via Email

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Answer: 

From your photos and description, it appears you have a Smith & Wesson Model 30, manufactured circa 1975. The M30 was originally called “The 32 Hand Ejector.” Barrel lengths offered were 2, 3 and 4 inches, and either round or square butts were available. Yours appears to be the latter. The H serial prefix was started in 1969. Hope this helps you out.

-Garry James