Info Request on 38 S&W

Bumpt · #1 10-02-2010, 05:20 AM

Hello there,

I inherited this weapon from my father-in-law. From what I understand, it belonged to his great-grandfather who used to work on a Mississippi gambling boat. It's a really neat family heirloom but I'd like to know more about it.

The serial starts in 2315XX. I believe it was manufactured in 1890 and shoots a 38 S&W. Other than that I am clueless about the gun. However, my curiosity got the better of me and I had to shoot it. So i did, and both hands still intact.

What I'd like to know is: How popular was this model? Did law enforcement use these weapons? Was it common among gamblers? ( i ask this because my father-in-law was spinning stories about his pappy being able to fire it from within his pocket) How much is it worth? I guess I'm looking for a history lesson if anyone is willing to help me learn more about it.

also, is this considered in fair shape? good, bad?

thanks in advance.

murphydog · #2 10-02-2010, 08:50 AM

Welcome to the Forum. You have a .38 Safety Hammerless or New Departure, informally called the "lemon squeezer". Modern factory ammo is loaded light because of older guns in .38 S & W. These did have some law enforcement use, and it was even considered for adoption by the US military. Many nickel finishes break down over time but I would say (from the left side photos) yours is better than average for a 130 year old gun.

cflier · #3 10-02-2010, 12:10 PM

Hello Bumpt,
Nice old family heirloom. It is a 5th model Safety Hammerless and was probably shipped around 1911 or 1912. To get an exact date you would have to spring the $50 for a letter of authentication from Roy Jinks the S&W historian. One of the goals when it was originally designed was to be a pocket revolver that would not snag when drawing from the pocket. As such it could be fired while still in a pocket without snagging. I suspect that most police forces had converted over to the 38 special hand ejector by that time but of course that is a guess on my part. It looks like it still has the original finish to me but it has some wear and therefore is not worth a huge amount of money. It is a common gun with a common barrel length and to me would go for around $200 to $300. If it were mine the family history value would far outwiegh the monetary value. To have a gun that your great great grandfather owned is priceless.

Mark

Bumpt · #4 10-02-2010, 12:39 PM

very cool. thanks so much for the information. You are right about the monetary value not being as much as the sentimental value. I imagine that I'll keep this gun for as long as I can until that day comes when I pass it down to my son. I really like the nickname "lemon squeezer." When I took it to the range to pop off a few rounds it really was like squeezing a lemon to get it to fire. very neat.