The .32 S&W cartridge was introduced in 1878 for Smith & Wesson pocket revolvers. It was originally designed as a black powder cartridge. The .32 S&W was offered to the public as a light defense cartridge for "card table" distances.
.32 S&W
Smith & Wesson Lemon Squeezer example, chambered in .32 S&W
Revolver and cartridges used in the assassination of William McKinley
The .32 S&W Long, also known as 7.65x23mm, is a straight-walled, centerfire, rimmed handgun cartridge, based on the earlier .32 S&W cartridge. It was introduced in 1896 for Smith & Wesson's first-model Hand Ejector revolver. Colt called it the .32 Colt New Police in revolvers it made chambered for the cartridge.
.32 S&W Long (left) in comparison with .32 H&R Magnum and 7.62×38mmR Nagant
Modern High velocity loadings of the .32 S&W Long/Colt New Police
Above: Iver Johnson Safety Automatic* Below: Colt Police Positive -both chambered for .32 Smith and Wesson Long/ Colt New Police *Automatic refers to automatic, simultaneous ejection of cartridges and/or cases