Dec 12, 2017 The serial number was engraved underneath the topstrap. According to Smith & Wesson historian Roy Jinks, this particular gun—technically a.38 Safety Hammerless Third Model—was shipped from Smith & Wesson on October 10, 1898, to the Simmons Hardware Co. Louis, Missouri. LSB#: 180709EA89 Make: Smith & Wesson Model.32 Safety Hammerless 3rd Model aka “Lemon Squeezer” aka New Departure Model Serial Number: 204017 Year of Manufacture: 1909-1937 Caliber.32 S&W Action Type: Double Action Only Top Break Revolver Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS.
Some Blast from the Past submissions are so perfect all I have to do is shut up and get out of the way. Today’s is such a post. Thanks very much to New River Valley Outdoorsman for this fine entry:
This Smith & Wesson safety hammerless revolver was officially titled the New Departure—but was universally dubbed the Lemon Squeezer, from the grip safety in the back strap. This little top-break revolver couldn’t be fired unless firmly gripped and the safety lever was depressed—an unusual feature for its era, hence the name New Departure. Smith & Wesson touted features, such as the gun’s concealability, its smooth lines that made the gun easy to draw from a pocket, and that it was “nearly impossible” for a child to fire because you had to depress the safety and pull the rather stiff trigger simultaneously. The New Departure went through several model changes in its long life: This one is a fourth model, made in 1903. It has been fitted with custom grips of faux ivory, replacing the normal hard rubber grips that were prone to chipping.
S&w Safety Hammerless Serial Numbers
Many New Departures were chambered for the .32 S&W Long, but this one is chambered for .38 S&W, a caliber introduced in 1887 and still in production. Though the gun’s use has waned in the U.S., it remains immensely popular worldwide and virtually every European revolver maker has brought out a gun in this caliber. The British Army added a heavier (200-grain) bullet and dubbed it the.380/200, which they chambered in the Webley and Enfield No. 2 military revolvers issued to their armed forces from 1930 to 1957. Some British police units still use it. American-made factory ammunition is pretty wimpy stuff, mimicking the original black powder load, because of all the lesser-quality guns chambered in this enormously popular round. Handloading makes it easy to replicate the .38 S&W performance of the .380 ACP, and to lap at the lower fringe of the .38 Special’s range.
The Lemon Squeezer was a cash cow for S&W, selling steadily from its introduction in 1889 until production ceased in 1941. I’ve carried this little gun from time to time and can attest that it was—and still is—ideal for concealed carry: compact, reliable, easily reloaded, and respectably powerful. By the standards of 1903, it was considered quite adequate for self-defense. Hundreds of thousands of New Departures were made and they’re still readily found in good condition. S&W made quality products, much better than the guns turned out by other makers such as H&R and Iver Johnson.
Keep the old gun pictures coming to fsgunnuts@gmail.com.
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Sw Safety Hammerless Serial Numbers Online
Early S&W .38 DA Blued Safety Hammerless Revolver |
This is an early 2nd Model Smith and Wesson Safety Hammerless Revolver in .38 S&W. This variation was made from 1887-1890 and is therefore a pre-1898 antique under federal law, however some states and cities may differ. This particular example is the scarcer blued finish with 3-1/4' barrel and checkered hard rubber grips. Being a 2nd Model, the Z-bar side latch on the topstrap was eliminated in favor of a small knurled thumb piece at the top of the frame just behind the topstrap. Just over 37,000 units were produced and numbered from 5,001-42,483. Serial number is in the 16,000 range with matching #'s on the barrel, cylinder, and frame. Early production with patent dates only going up to 1885 instead of 1890. Basically, a re-design of the .38 DA, the hammerless design eliminated the possibility of a 'snag' when being withdrawn from the owner's pocket. Aesthetics aside, a second lost from the hammer getting caught could be the difference between life and death. The .38 Hammerless was so popular that it went through another three design changes and wasn't discontinued until 1940. Features include five shot cylinder with hammer shrouded by frame and a checkered safety bar on the backstrap which must be depressed in order for the action to function...hence the nickname 'lemon squeezer'. Officially however, this model was termed the 'New Departure'. The most prized 2nd Models were the 100 revolvers ordered by the US Army with blued finish and 6' barrels for field trials with the United States Cavalry. Super-rare, these bring thousands of dollars from S&W collectors as well as US martial collectors. Aside from the shorter barrel, this one is basically what the US Army ordered although it strikes me more as something that was carried by a police officer because it shows lots of carry wear but was rarely fired. It has a fantastic bore. Overall condition grades to NRA Antique Fine with 60% original blued finish which is faded. Checkered hard rubber grips are well worn but solid with no chips, cracks, repairs, and have perfect S&W precision fit. Action works, safety works, automatic ejector works, and latch is tight. Barrel markings are perfect with 1877 through 1885 patent dates below the S&W factory address. Good solid example of one of S&W's scarcer early Hammerless Double Action Variants. Item# 2028 SOLD |