I usually only post in the 1961-80 forum but I recently acquired this old top break. I have looked through the forum, thanks to every one who posts on this forum, and I think I found out what model gun this is. But I am posting it on here to see if I am correct.

My best guess is this is a third model 38 S&W top break "lemon squeezer". But this gun does not have any mark on it indicating the caliber or ctg (ex 32 or 38).

The serial number is 1116XX I'm guessing its approx 1895? The serial number on this gun is stamped on the butt, inside the cylinder and on the inside of the top strap.

The grips are not original but how can I tell if they are real material vs plastic? they are a pearl color and feel like glass they have no markings on the inside of them but they match up to the gun very tight.

I am amazed that this gun is very tight and functions flawlessly for being a gun over 100 years old, if i'm correct on the date.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

The term Lemon Squeezer is not the model name. You have a 38 Safety Hammerless, Third Model, or 38 New Departure. The name of the cartridge for this gun is 38 S&W, which is readily available from most major manufacturers. With your serial number, it was shipped from the factory right about 1898-1899, which is problematic if your state requires registration. 1898 is classified as an antique, and 1899 is considered "modern" by the ATF. Only way to get exact date is to request a letter from Roy Jinks, S&W Historian.

Your grips look like they are pearl, but if you remove them, you should be able to tell for sure. Pearl grips are heavy, and have flat backs, while plastic wil be light and partially hollow in the back. I would say these are after-market pearl replacements, since there are no S&W medallions on them. It was a common practice to replace the original hard rubber grups with pearl in these pocket revolvers.

All 3rd model 38 Safety Hammerless were shipped before 1899 and are considered antiques by the BATF. Some mother of pearl grips have a hollow in the back side but it is never symetrical or evenly spaced on the grips in my experience.

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Mark Connot

Thank you glowe and cflier for the information!

The grips have a flat back and are heavy I think that would make them real pearl. There is a price written on the inside of the left grip in small red letters 1.25

Thanks again I enjoy the history of these old revolvers.