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.32 Revolvers

The .32-caliber revolver came to life in the mid 1800s as the metallic cartridge became a reality. They became popular for their small size and ease of concealment. While .32 revolvers were more popular in Europe than in the U.S., American firearms manufacturer Colt produced the .32 Colt short and .32 Colt long in 1875. The Colt round remained popular in Great Britain, and in 1878, Smith & Wesson produced their own .32-caliber cartridge and matching revolvers.

After the .32 Smith & Wesson cartridges became popular, companies like Colt, H&R, and Iver Johnson began producing small, inexpensive .32-caliber revolvers on a much larger scale. Most historical models are from this era and are distinguishable by their small size and simple design. These revolvers represent an interesting time in firearms design and foreshadow the universal move to smaller-caliber firearms for military, police, and self defense.

Gun owners seeking self-defense revolvers have adopted more efficient and powerful cartridges, but .32-caliber revolvers remain popular collector’s items. These .32 revolvers were often carried, but rarely shot. This means their finish is often worn, but their internal mechanisms are nearly spotless. The .32-caliber revolver had a longer life than most realize and was one of the first capable and concealable firearms in its era.


Quick Facts

  • The .327 Federal magnum was introduced in 2008 as a modern take on the classic .32-caliber revolver cartridge
  • The first standard-issue firearm of the NYPD was the Colt New Police Revolver in .32 long Colt. The Colt was adopted in 1896
  • J.B. Sutherland, inventor of the refrigerated railroad car, presented General George Custer with a pair of Smith & Wesson model No. 2 revolvers in .32 caliber

Recommended Items at Auction

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ANTIQUE BELGIAN PIN-FIRE REVOLVER.
Jul 15, 6:00 PM PDT
ANTIQUE BELGIAN PIN-FIRE REVOLVER.
by O'Gallerie
Est: $200- $300
$1001 Bid
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Tombstone Prostitute Augustine Revolver ca. 1880's
Jul 26, 9:00 AM MDT
Tombstone Prostitute Augustine Revolver ca. 1880's
by North American Auction Company
Est: $3,000- $5,000
$1,0001 Bid
A Korth, Sport Model
Jul 24, 10:00 AM CEST
A Korth, Sport Model
by Hermann Historica GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€2,0000 Bids
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El Paso Prostitute Fanny Garner Revolver ca. 1887
Jul 26, 9:00 AM MDT
El Paso Prostitute Fanny Garner Revolver ca. 1887
by North American Auction Company
Est: $3,000- $5,000
$7500 Bids
2 IVER JOHNSON .32 SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMER DA
Aug 10, 10:00 AM EDT
2 IVER JOHNSON .32 SAFETY AUTOMATIC HAMMER DA
by Poulin Antiques & Auctions
Est: $300- $450
$1500 Bids
IVER JOHNSON 32 DA REVOLVER.
Aug 10, 10:00 AM EDT
IVER JOHNSON 32 DA REVOLVER.
by Poulin Antiques & Auctions
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
2 IVER JOHNSON .32 SAFETY AUTOMATIC REVOLVERS.
Aug 10, 10:00 AM EDT
2 IVER JOHNSON .32 SAFETY AUTOMATIC REVOLVERS.
by Poulin Antiques & Auctions
Est: $300- $450
$1500 Bids
2 IVER JOHNSON 3RD MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC
Aug 10, 10:00 AM EDT
2 IVER JOHNSON 3RD MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC
by Poulin Antiques & Auctions
Est: $500- $700
$2500 Bids
THAMES DA 32 REVOLVER.
Aug 10, 10:00 AM EDT
THAMES DA 32 REVOLVER.
by Poulin Antiques & Auctions
Est: $150- $250
$750 Bids
IVER JOHNSON SAFETY HAMMERLESS REVOLVER.
Jul 15, 6:00 PM PDT
IVER JOHNSON SAFETY HAMMERLESS REVOLVER.
by O'Gallerie
Est: $300- $500
$1500 Bids
An Iver Johnson's Top Break Revolver
Jul 24, 10:00 AM CEST
An Iver Johnson's Top Break Revolver
by Hermann Historica GmbH
Est: €0- €0
€1000 Bids
IVER JOHNSON DEFENDER 89 REVOLVER.
Aug 10, 10:00 AM EDT
IVER JOHNSON DEFENDER 89 REVOLVER.
by Poulin Antiques & Auctions
Est: $100- $200
$500 Bids
Union Fire Arms Lefever Patent Zig-Zag Automatic Revolver
Aug 16, 9:00 AM CDT
Union Fire Arms Lefever Patent Zig-Zag Automatic Revolver
by Rock Island Auction Company
Est: $3,500- $5,500
$3,0000 Bids
IVER JOHNSON 32 S&W 1ST MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC
Aug 10, 10:00 AM EDT
IVER JOHNSON 32 S&W 1ST MODEL SAFETY AUTOMATIC
by Poulin Antiques & Auctions
Est: $200- $300
$1000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell .32 Revolvers


Poulin Antiques & Auctions

Poulin Antiques & Auctions

O'Gallerie

O'Gallerie

Hermann Historica GmbH

Hermann Historica GmbH

North American Auction Company

North American Auction Company