Forehand Wadsworth .32 auto Stainless Revolver ( Anyone knows what this is worth )

pjb101

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32 Russian model forhand wadsworgh 1888

Forehand Wadsworth .32 auto Stainless Revolver

Forehand and Wadsworth No32 Revolver


I have had this classic gun handed down to me by my great grand father from the United States and I was wondering if anyone has any info on its value in Canada.... any feedback would be appreciated THANKS!


This is what I found on the internet...


CF175
During the 19th Century the American Gun trade grew exponentially, with countless small businesses starting up to cash in on Americas almost insatiable demand for Percussion and later Rimfire/Centerfire Pistols. This demand was generated by the Civil War and the Indian wars, not to mention the Wild West.

The Forehand & Wadsworth Company was one such Business.

Two American entrepreneurs, Sullivan Forehand and Charles Wadsworth, married the daughters of Ethen Allen, the noted New England gun maker.

When Ethan died in 1871 they took over Ethan's business and re-named it The Forehand &Wadsworth Company.

They began to manufacture a range of solid and hinged frame, pocket and full size single and double action revolvers.

Charles lost interest in the Company and sold his share to Sullivan. The business was then re-named the Forehand Arms Company.

Sullivan Forehands death in 1898 coincided with the rationalization of the US gun trade in the late 19th century, many small manufactures either went out of business or were bought out by larger concerns.

The Forehand Arms company was absorbed into the Hopkins and Allen Company, who in turn were bought out by Marlin!

This highly collectable Forehand & Wadworth No32,was made in approx 1880. It is a 6 shot, double action Pocket Pistol chambered in .32 rimfire.

It is in superb Museum standard condition, it functions perfectly with no play in the cylinder. The Nickel finish is 99% + with perfect hard rubber F&W monogrammed grips.

It has full matching numbers to barrel frame and Cylinder.

The six groove left hand twist rifled barrel is perfect, with no pitting or corrosion present.

This then is a Classic and highly collectable American pistol in a pristine condition that is rarely encountered today.

Pure Americana!

Measurements: (Overall Length) 17cm

Hight 9.5cm (tip of hammer to heel of pistol grip)

Barrel 6.5cm
 
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Forehand Wadsworth .32 auto Stainless Revolver

32 Russian model forhand wadsworgh 1888

Forehand Wadsworth .32 auto Stainless Revolver

Forehand and Wadsworth No32 Revolver


I have had this classic gun handed down to me by my great grand father from the United States and I was wondering if anyone has any info on its value in Canada.... any feedback would be appreciated THANKS!


This is what I found on the internet...


CF175
During the 19th Century the American Gun trade grew exponentially, with countless small businesses starting up to cash in on Americas almost insatiable demand for Percussion and later Rimfire/Centerfire Pistols. This demand was generated by the Civil War and the Indian wars, not to mention the Wild West.

The Forehand & Wadsworth Company was one such Business.

Two American entrepreneurs, Sullivan Forehand and Charles Wadsworth, married the daughters of Ethen Allen, the noted New England gun maker.

When Ethan died in 1871 they took over Ethan's business and re-named it The Forehand &Wadsworth Company.

They began to manufacture a range of solid and hinged frame, pocket and full size single and double action revolvers.

Charles lost interest in the Company and sold his share to Sullivan. The business was then re-named the Forehand Arms Company.

Sullivan Forehands death in 1898 coincided with the rationalization of the US gun trade in the late 19th century, many small manufactures either went out of business or were bought out by larger concerns.

The Forehand Arms company was absorbed into the Hopkins and Allen Company, who in turn were bought out by Marlin!

This highly collectable Forehand & Wadworth No32,was made in approx 1880. It is a 6 shot, double action Pocket Pistol chambered in .32 rimfire.

It is in superb Museum standard condition, it functions perfectly with no play in the cylinder. The Nickel finish is 99% + with perfect hard rubber F&W monogrammed grips.

It has full matching numbers to barrel frame and Cylinder.

The six groove left hand twist rifled barrel is perfect, with no pitting or corrosion present.

This then is a Classic and highly collectable American pistol in a pristine condition that is rarely encountered today.

Pure Americana!

Measurements: (Overall Length) 17cm

Hight 9.5cm (tip of hammer to heel of pistol grip)

Barrel 6.5cm
 
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A few words here.

32 Auto is not even close to the same cartridge as 32 rimfire. In the 1880s, the 32 Automatic Colt Pistol cartridge, did not even exist yet.

I highly suspect that your so-called stainless steel revolver is actually a nickel plated steel/iron revolver. You even mention nickel finish, later on in your internet found description.

Myself, I believe this post truly belongs in the Black Powder & Antiques sub-forum.
 
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It will be either chambered in .32RF or .32 s&w. If it's rimfire it will be antique status. It will be nickel plated and depending on it's exterior and mechanical condition could be worth as much as $750.00 up here.

Private message me photos and I will let you know what it's worth.
 
without pictures who can say. Anything from 0 to a couple of hundred. It's not a 32 auto, it will be either 32 rimfire (most likely) or 32 smith and wesson...which would be somewhat more valuable as it's at least obtainable.

If you want a good valuation, post detailed pictures.
 
According to Flayderman's guide of antique firearms 1998 edition there is only 1 double action in .32 rimfire. They did make revolvers is .44 Russian. The .32 was blued finish and PAT'D JUNE 27 '71 -OCT. 28'73 which should be on left side of barrel. They also made a .38 cal. rimfire with topstrap marked America Bulldog. Value $75-$200 keeping in mind this was 1998. They later made a .32 Smith&Wesson refered to as a Suicide Special a term used before Saturday Night Special. Pic's would of course help.
 
This revolver is 32 rimfire, well built and a true antique, no blurred time lines with status, Its worth 450.00-550.00 in excellent condition. Interesting point but never seen one that wasnt in great condition. Some have the longer barrels. They also produced this revolver in 41 and 38 rimfire. Detail on exact model OP described is confusing
 
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If the gun is a center fire, and the short barrel mentioned, it's likely a 12-6 gun. Not registered in Canada, it's off to the crusher, or the sock drawer. Here's hoping it turns out to be rim fire.
 
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