1979

Kornbrath Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Third Model .32 Hand Ejector with Ivory Grips and Factory

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Kornbrath Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Third Model .32 Hand Ejector with Ivory Grips and Factory
Manufactured in 1933, this is a very nice example of a Third Model .32 Hand Ejector factory engraved by Rudolph J. Kornbrath. The revolver features scrollwork with a punch dot background on the frame sides, trigger guard, cylinder flats, upper crane and barrel sides. The sides of the top strap have a simple vine pattern, the backstrap is scallop bordered and there is a rosette on the forward face of the crane. The revolver is accompanied by a typed letter from noted firearms researcher and Kornbrath historian Herbert G. Houze, dated July 20, 2009 stating that "I am of the professional opinion that its decoration was engraved by Rudolph of Hartford, Connecticut." and explains in detail how he reached his conclusion. Provided also by Houze and included with this letter are numerous "engraving pulls" copied from the records of the Kornbrath archives at the Winchester Museum, Cody, WY, where Houze formerly served as curator, that match the decoration on the gun. There is also a letter from S&W Historian Roy Jinks stating that this revolver was shipped engraved, to Boston, Ma. in September of 1933. The revolver has a blade front and square notch rear sight, casehardened hammer and trigger and is fitted with smooth ivory grips. A fine pre-war engraved S&W executed by the recognized master of 20th Century firearms decoration.
BBL: 3 1/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 32 Long
Finish: blue
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 526868


Excellent. The revolver retains 98% original bright blue finish with some minor wear and light spotting on the muzzle. There are a couple of tiny dings on the left side of the frame and overall light handling marks. The trigger retains 80% of the original vivid case colors. The grips are excellent with a moderate nick and a few hairline age cracks on the bottom of the right panel and an attractive patina in the grain. Crisp engraving and markings. Mechanically excellent.