New to forum guys. I would like some history/ age and value of this pistol. It was my grandfathers as a sheriff in Kentucky. Given to my mother then myself.

Thanks,

Bill

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Can't help you with the gun, but I can welcome you to the forum and wish you Merry Christmas.

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Music/Sports/Beer fan

I believe that is referred to as a lemon squeezer., maybe 1910/1920, but I am a novice, so lets hope one of the experts will come along.

Need the serial number to accurately date it. Look on the bottom of the grip for that.

Yours would be a .38 Safety Hammerless, either 4th or 5th Model. I cannot tell for sure from the picture, but I would say 5th. The 5th Model will not have a pin holding the front sight blade in place, so you can determine which model it is. The 4th Model was sold from 1898 to 1907, the 5th Model until 1940. The 5th Model serial numbers ran from approximately 220000 to 261500. These are often called "Lemon Squeezers," but that term was not used by S&W. Again, I cannot tell from the picture, but if the trigger guard and trigger are nickel-plated, that would indicate a non-factory nickel plating job has been done, and will seriously affect value. However, as I imagine you have no plans to sell it, it should make no difference to you. It still makes a good personal defense weapon, and .38 S&W ammunition (NOT .38 Special) is still available, even though it is sometimes difficult to find, and expensive.

Welcone to the Forum. DWalt gave you all the pertinent information on your revolver. As said above, I agree that the gun has been refinished, and that greatly reduces collector value. The trigger guard and top-latch should be blue and the trigger should be case hardened color.

I notice that the barrel appears to be cut, which was a common thing to do with these revolvers. The factory barrel lengths were either 2", 3 1/4" and up. Yours looks longer than 2" and shorter than 3 1/4", so another issue that further reduces collector value. If the gun is functioning properly, it would have minimal value - maybe $150 - $200. I wanted to add that the pearl stocks may have some added value, but are not factory, so one never knows if that will translate to added money if sold. I would assume, however, that it will remain a family heirloom, so value should not be too important. Shoot it and let your family enjoy it. Remember that it is likely a modern firearm as classified by the BATF and would be subject to any federal and state regulations and laws.

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Gary
SWCA 2515

I'm no expert on collectibles but I think these revolvers were referred to as "Safety" models. I actually owned one for a time but traded it off.

Official names: Safety Hammerless or New Departure.
Slang: Lemon Squeezer.

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Mike Maher #283