S&W Lemon Squeezer

Jaxenro · #1 10-03-2018, 04:13 PM

Picked up an older S&W Lemon Squeezer 32 pocket any idea of a rough date of manufacture? I don't have it in hand yet but the serial number looks to be about 1871??

thadheth · #2 10-03-2018, 04:29 PM

Having a little trouble reading the serial number.....looks like 187162. If so, that would make it a 3rd model Safety Hammerless, which was probably manufactured around 1910 to 1915. Someone will be along with a more precise date, for sure.

Ivan the Butcher · #3 10-03-2018, 04:33 PM

I have the model of 1896 in 38 S&W. I really enjoy carrying it on occasion, like Cowboy belly gun matches!

Ivan

cmansguns · #4 10-03-2018, 04:50 PM

My 1st year issue (1888 - s/n 5195) New Departure .32 Short (Black Powder) is basically a collection item only and mine is cosmetically challenged worse than yours.

Mechanically mine cycles through double action just fine, the grip safety works as designed and if you can get your trigger finger into the small space between trigger and guard you could probably fire it but I'm just not sure of any modern ammo which can't be found in any LGS around here.

Ammo maybe available on line but mines worth maybe $150 tops so no Letter, and probably no ammo either unless I find Annie Oakley owned it at some point!

One pic shows how a 32 Long round fits the chamber just fine (diametrically) but no cigar on depth.

ISCS Yoda · #5 10-03-2018, 04:54 PM

Mine shot great but it vanished in my fire so I preserve its memory in these pictures:

Jaxenro · #6 10-03-2018, 04:56 PM

32 S&W short which wasn’t short until the long came along it was just 32 S&W CF.

Brass is available looks like it would be easy to load a few BP rounds if this one doesn’t shoot smokeless

I paid $149 on gunbroker a little pricey with the broken grip but supposedly mechanically sound

mmaher94087 · #7 10-03-2018, 08:20 PM

I guess 187152. The .32 S&W cartridge can be found mostly on-line as your LGS usually won't carry it as the .38 special, 9mm and .45 ACP sell very rapidly compared to the .32 and .38 S&W round.

opoefc · #8 10-03-2018, 11:14 PM

Jaxenro, If your purchase is mechanically sound, it should safely fire modern .32S&W rounds as they are loaded to pressure equal to the original black powder cartridges. The serial number of your gun, if all parts are original and be seen on the back of the cylinder, under the barrel latch, between the "ears" of the rear of the barrel and on the back side of the right grip panel. A few close serial numbers were shipped in the 1913-1915 range. Ed.

merl67 · #9 10-04-2018, 12:25 AM

Welcome to the forum. I don't think you did too bad if it functions good. That grip can be repaired I have done a few that you would be hard pressed to tell where the repair is.

Jaxenro · #10 10-17-2018, 06:49 PM

Well it came in and actually looks quite nice in person. The finish is mostly worn away to brown but in a nice even pattern and it locks up tight and cycles real well.

The grip isn't really broken just the black finish is worn away at the bottom and it is sort of a light muddy brown color. This might be a half baked idea but can I rub some black paste shoe polish in the grip to blacken the brown area?