I'm wondering exactly when the .32 WS was introduced. I've heard it was as late as 1912. Dave Scovill, in RIFLE Magazine's book, THE LEGACY OF LEVER GUNS says 1902, but also says that it wasn't mentioned in a Winchester catalog until 1905, of which he apparently has a copy, or at least access to one.
Let me quote what he took from that catalog.
"SPeculation aside, we know from the 1905 Winchester catalog that, THE .32 WINCHESTER SPECIAL WAS DESIGNED TO BE LOADED BY THE FACTORY WITH SMOKELESS POWDER AND TO BE RELOADED WITH BLACK POWDER."
I guess that pretty well places it as coming straight from the horse's mouth. (I'd forgotten about that cource until just now.)
Paul B.

The only thing is that for the purist the 30-30 can be loaded with Goex or BP and cast bullets to be historicly accurate. Not so with the 32 WS. On a more practical level you gotta go with what works for you. I sold a 1950's 32WS carbine with a mint bore in 95+% this year for $400 so there are still lots of good ones out there.