Abercrombie & Fitch Shipped Pre-WW2 Smith & Wesson .22/32 Kit Gun Revolver
SOLD FOR: $2,625.00
LSB#: WY240925JT049
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .22/32 Kit Gun 5-Screw Standard Model
Serial Number: 533372
Year of Manufacture: February 12th, 1940 (Factory Letter). C&R Eligible
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver W/ Recessed Cylinder.
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked, “MADE IN U.S.A.” with the S&W trademark logo. The front strap of the grip frame has the serial number, “533372” The barrel is marked, “SMITH & WESSON / .22 LONG RIFLE CTG.” The inside of the crane cut and crane are marked with a part number. The cylinder, barrel, and frame all have matched serial numbers. All parts are serial number matching.
Barrel Length: 4” Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade pinned to a fixed base. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: This revolver has two piece checkered walnut square butt panels with silver S&W medallions. There is light handling wear throughout. The checkering is sharp. There are no cracks. The front and backstrap are serrated. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color Trigger & Hammer
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is very bright and the rifling is deep. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is light thinning on the leading edges. The action has faint wear from use. There is a thin crisp turn line. The screw heads are tool marked. The markings are crisp. Overall, this revolver is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with little to no play on each chamber when the trigger is depressed. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Factory letter.
Our Assessment: The Pre-WW2 Smith & Wesson .22/32 Kit Gun, manufactured in 1940, is a classic example of American firearm craftsmanship, designed for small game hunting, target shooting, and as a compact trail gun. Built on the I-Frame, this double-action/single-action revolver was a lightweight and portable option for outdoorsmen, earning its reputation as the perfect “kit gun”—small enough to be packed in a backpack or tackle box, yet reliable enough for field use. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, this revolver offers low recoil, excellent accuracy, and affordable shooting, making it a highly practical firearm for both training and sport shooting. Pre-WW2 examples like this one are particularly desirable due to their early production quality, hand-fitted parts, and historical significance. Adding to its provenance, this firearm was shipped to Abercrombie & Fitch Co. in New York City, NY on February 12, 1940, a company well known at the time for supplying high-end sporting goods, firearms, and outdoor equipment to well heeled customers. One of the defining features of the Pre-WW2 .22/32 Kit Gun is its 4-inch barrel, which provides a balance between compact size and sight radius, ensuring easy handling and precise shot placement. The six-round cylinder offers an ample capacity for a small-caliber revolver, while the fine checkering on the grip panels enhances control during shooting. The revolver’s blued finish, rounded front sight, and smooth trigger pull contribute to its timeless design and functionality. As an early model, this example reflects Smith & Wesson’s dedication to quality craftsmanship, before wartime production shifts changed manufacturing priorities. Its association with Abercrombie & Fitch further highlights its place as a high-quality firearm sold by a premier outfitter catering to discerning sportsmen and collectors.
For collectors and enthusiasts of classic Smith & Wesson revolvers, this Pre-WW2 .22/32 Kit Gun is a historically significant and highly sought-after firearm. It represents a time when small-caliber revolvers were built with the same level of care as their larger-caliber counterparts, making it a true classic in both form and function. The fact that this revolver was originally sent to Abercrombie & Fitch, a prestigious retailer known for catering to wealthy outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen, adds another layer of historical appeal. Whether displayed as a fine collectible, taken to the range for enjoyable target shooting, or kept as a reliable field companion, this 1940-production Kit Gun remains a testament to Smith & Wesson’s enduring legacy in quality revolver manufacturing. -R.E.
