I have a 38 cal lemon squeezer with a 1 1/2 barrel that look original. How do I know for sure?

Welcome! Generally there is no way to be certain aside from a factory letter, but signs of a cut-down longer barrel include a non-factory muzzle crown or front sight install, or a refinish (of the barrel or entire gun). Of course, an original 1.5" barreled gun could have also undergone a refinish...hence the letter.

Photos would help here also.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I would assume that you are referring to a 38 Single Action barrel assembly?? If so, you can first check the serial numbers to see if anything matches up. Look up under the top latch with a strong light and magnifying glass to find the serial number for the barrel assembly and also on the bottom of the latch. Look at the rear of the cylinder and at the butt of the frame to see if anything matches.

Many single action barrels will have the last patent date of 1871, while the 38 Safety would have the last patent in the 1880s or later.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Serial #255795

Alan has a great point, so which is it - a 1 1/2" barrel length or a Model 1 1/2 38 SA?

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Trying to send pictures

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This gun was my great grandfather who used it for protection in the coal mines in West Virginia

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It is likely shortened from the shortest regular production barrel (3.25") and the front sight relocated; the mark at the front of the right barrel caliber rollmark (commonly called a "dingbat") is absent on the right end from the barrel being cut off.

Due to the family connection, it is a very nice family heirloom in any case and to me would be worth a letter.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Obviously, a cut down barrel from a longer original length, however it's value as a family heirloom merits keeping it as it for future generations. Ed.

With the writing on the side of the barrel, could it have originally have been a 2" barrel? I know it was moved from the top to the side on 2" guns.

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Tom
NRA Pistol Inst

If I am not mistaken, the stamping that moves from the top rib to the side of the short barrel is the address/patent date. Most of the late 38 Safeties had both the MADE IN USA stamp and the caliber on the barrel.

Here are a few clues that help in dating an early 1900s revolver that I have gleaned from this Forum.

Caliber stampings started around 1900

2 Line Barrel Caliber stamping ended in 1908

MADE IN USA stamping new in 1922

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Gary
SWCA 2515

Hi All,
I've got a 5th model that has been chopped to 1-1/4". All that is left of the barrel stamping is "cartridge" on one side and half an address on the other. As far as know 1-1/4" is the maximum chop. The piece has a starred serial number and since the workmanship was so good I had it lettered. The gun was originally shipped to a hardware store in Charlestown, WV in 1934. Roy Jinks says there is no record of S&W ever having done anything to the gun. I was disappointed but its still a nifty little looker.
David