How do you ID a bicycle gun

M_conrad_0311 · #1 03-28-2017, 09:38 PM

I am trying to research this fire arm to figure out if there is one at LGS. Have a poor photo of it. In the case from earlier today. I couldn't get any assistance from them due to them being so busy. If it is, should I go by and pick it up? Thank you for your assistance. Let me apologize for my ignorance on these models.

M_conrad_0311 · #2 03-29-2017, 07:43 AM

After examining the photo and comparing to others and prior descriptions. It looks like it is a blue 3rd model 2" with possible forged site (I can not see a pin). Am I correct in this assumption? I will go check it out tomorrow in person again and get better photos. If I am correct, is the askng price about right on this pistol?

murphydog · #3 03-29-2017, 07:59 AM

Not exactly my area, but the photos of original Bicycle Guns I've seen have the patent dates on the barrel sides (because they didn't fit on the top rib, as they did with longer barrels). Looking at the front sight install and the crown are also important. If original the price is great, but if a cut barrel the asking price is probably twice its value. More/detailed photos are needed.

glowe · #4 03-29-2017, 08:34 AM

I am leaning towards the fact that no hard fast rules apply to the 32 Bicycle Guns. The predominant rule that the address is stamped on the barrel side is the best way to ID the gun.

Some owners will claim that their guns are original because the work is done so well, but they have no stampings on the barrel, or it is discovered that there is part of the address still remaining on the rib. There are reports of very high serial numbered guns being done at the factory, but without the address stamp. Possible special orders, but have never found one with a factory letter. Seems that there may be an early example shown on this Forum in the past with no stampings and a letter, so exceptions to the rule are probably still out there. Without a letter, I would not pay big dollars on a 2" gun without the barrel address stamp.

As for the pinned front sight, I think most had that feature. I have a 2nd Model with pinned front sights as it should be, but the 2" 3rd Model was available either way and, personally, I have only seen pinned 3rd Models. As for the OPs gun ID, you cannot even see the rib, so there is no way to see a pin. At that price, I would buy it and still have enough left over for a letter.

H Richard · #5 03-29-2017, 10:53 AM

Just can't tell from that picture. Need picture of both sides, top rib, muzzle, to really tell for sure. Many guns around with cut barrels.

gmborkovic · #6 03-29-2017, 12:02 PM

I have Bicycles with the address on the left and right side of the barrel.
A member posted a pic of one that has the address on the top rib.
He believed the only one made. I did not save the Thread. I will have to do a search to find it. Best

glowe · #7 03-29-2017, 01:07 PM

That is the one I could not remember, but finally found it. The statements reflect that fact that a few early examples placed the stamping on the rib and it extended onto the top strap.

.32 safety First Model lemon squeezer 2"

gmborkovic · #8 03-29-2017, 01:25 PM

Hello Gary, thanks for posting that top rib mark. The mark was rolled all the way up on the hump for the latch. Best

JSR III · #9 03-30-2017, 06:16 AM

Welcome to the forum.

The easiest way I have found to identify a bicycle gun is by reading the stamping on the side of the gun. Normally it will say "Smith and Wesson."

On the bicycle guns it reads "Schwinn and Wesson".

Sorry, couldn't resist...

M_conrad_0311 · #10 03-30-2017, 02:59 PM

Looks like a cut down barrel

gmborkovic · #11 03-30-2017, 03:26 PM

Yup. flat, square muzzle is a definite tell. There is no contour or radius.
Still a nice little 32 S&W. Best.

mrcvs · #12 03-30-2017, 03:29 PM

Of course, the obvious: A factory letter! If it letters as such, with a 2" barrel, then it likely is a Bicycle Gun. However, there are instances where the ledger failed to identify the original barrel length correctly, or at all.

Edit: The aforementioned is true in many cases. However, not with this gun. A review of photographs reveals barrel markings inconsistent with this model.

glowe · #13 03-30-2017, 04:38 PM

Interesting that someone stamped the barrel "S&W" on both sides. I do not believe that the company ever used that stamping on any Safety revolver ever made.

gmborkovic · #14 03-30-2017, 04:50 PM

Gary, I was kinda thinking about that. But the grips look nice.

SDH · #15 03-30-2017, 05:27 PM

Factory lettered, April 14, 1895, Simms Hdwr, St. Lois. One of my favorites.

gmborkovic · #16 03-30-2017, 05:55 PM

Yup, muzzle is crowned and the rib is set back ever so slightly.
And the barrel address. Right as rain. Best