SMITH & WESSON .22/32 KIT REVOLVER W/ FACTORY BOX

SERIAL NUMBER: 9361. BARREL: 2". CALIBER: .22 LR. MANUFACTURED: circa 1954. This is a spectacular, investment-grade example of an early Smith & Wesson .22/32 Kit Gun (Model of 1953), chambered in the universally popular .22 Long Rifle caliber. Bearing the low, early serial number 9361, the revolver was frame-manufactured between 1954 and 1955 during the golden era of mid-century American firearms craftsmanship. Designed as a compact, lightweight companion for outdoorsmen to carry in their camping or fishing "kits," this beautiful "Pre-Model 34" specimen represents the highly desirable Improved I-Frame era, blending classic aesthetics with updated, highly reliable internal engineering. Because it was built prior to late 1955, this revolver boasts the quintessential early configurations that premium collectors actively seek out. It features a solid 4-screw frame construction-retaining the upper side plate screw that S&W eliminated later in production-and the iconic, streamlined "flat latch" cylinder release thumb piece. The revolver features a striking factory blue finish that showcases a deep, rich, luster characteristic of vintage S&W craftsmanship. The barrel is cleanly stamped .22 L.R. CTG. on the right side, while the top of the barrel features an elegant, serrated, anti-glare sight rib completely free of cumbersome patent text. Fitting the frame beautifully are a set of original checkered wood grips featuring silver S&W medallions, which remain crisp and period-correct. A true hand-fitted survivor, the matching factory serial number is properly stamped across all critical components, including the frame butt, the flat underside of the barrel, the rear face of the cylinder, and beneath the extractor star. What truly elevates this specimen into a museum-quality piece, however, is the remarkable inclusion of its original factory presentation materials. It is housed in an authentic Smith & Wesson metal-cornered blue box, which features the classic bilingual English and Spanish instructions printed directly inside the upper lid. This sturdier style of box indicates the revolver was likely held in factory inventory and officially shipped closer to 1957, a common and fascinating occurrence in S&W history. Crucially, the raw cardboard underside of the box bears the matching factory serial number 9361 written in white grease pen, definitively confirming it as the exact box assigned to this gun at the factory. Completing this incredible "time capsule" package is the exceptionally rare, full suite of original factory paperwork. Tucked safely inside the box are the fragile "Helpful Hints" flyer, the original unmailed Registration and Warranty Card, and the official Instructions for Use booklet. Finding a 4-screw, flat-latch Kit Gun in this state of preservation is rare on its own, but finding one accompanied by its highly documented, matching vintage box and easily lost, delicate paper ephemera makes it an absolute prize for the discerning Smith & Wesson purist or premium rimfire collector. CONDITION: Excellent. There is a faint cylinder line and no discernible carbon rings. Great lockup. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. Operates normally. C&R 27-253