Hi, I,m a new member. I've been reading the posts trying to gather some information on my ladysmith. I inherited this revolver 35 years ago after my uncle passed away. This forum is great. I've learned so much about this little revolver. It seems like all these old revolvers have some personal stories attached to them. My grandfather, who owned a saloon purchased this ladysmith for my grandmother for protection. I suppose back then there was a lot of things happening. I understand these revolvers are quite rare due to blown forcing cones. Well, this ladysmith succumbed to the same fate. It still is a beautiful revolver to behold and admire. I'm wondering if anyone would know what this ladysmith in it's present condition would be valued at? The factory letter from S&W states it is a .22 hand ejector 1st model (LadySmith) special engraved edition revolver. It has a serial # 2595 and was shipped on july 9, 1903 with a 3 inch barrel, style 3 engraving, nickle finish and pearl grips. Thanks for any information. HPB250037.jpg

PB250041.jpg

PB250042.jpgere are some photos.

This gun is gorgeous! Factory engraved with pearl grips? This is a beautiful specimen. What I wouldn't do to have one like this. It's definitely on my list! Don't have any idea on value, but I expect it's rather high.

Welcome to the forum. Even damaged, that is a very attractive First Model Ladysmith.

You might want to contact Dave Chicoine at oldwestgunsmith.com about a possible forcing cone repair. He reportedly has a technique that can rebuild or replace damaged breech ends of barrels.

I don't know what sort of premium attaches to an engraved Ladysmith, and if that is the original "purse" for the gun I really have no idea how to value that. I have to believe the package would be valued at well over a thousand dollars, perhaps over two, and maybe even approaching three. Specimens like that are so rare that it is hard to find comparable valuations. There are other Ladysmith collectors here who may be able to give you good advice. I have a few of these interesting little guns, but mine are all pretty basic specimens. You have a treasure.

If that were mine I would look into having its barrel restored. I would not shoot it again, so perhaps a simple cosmetic and non-structural repair would be worth considering if a complete restoration of functionality is not possible.

Thanks for posting that elegant specimen of one of S&W's tiniest handguns.

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David Wilson

In response to this post, all I can do is use one of my late father's favorite expressions: "Oh my!"
Thanks for sharing photos of this little treasure!
Jack

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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318

wow... that is nize.......

Welcome to the forum and thank you showing that beautiful Ladysmith.

pfc. Welcome to the Forum. You have a very valuable family heirloom gun! Well worth over three thousand dollars. It's also interesting that the gun still has the holster, which is a unique item in it's self. The holster was patented April 23, 1878, and was called "LePage's Pocket Holster" It is made from vulcanized rubberized canvas, a new invention by Goodyear at the time. These holster's are sometimes seen with a Smith & Wesson Logo stamped on them in either blue or red color. The metal belt hook is also seen sometimes with the LePage name and sometimes Jacob's Pat. or Acme names on the hook. The 1903 Sears Roebuck catalog has them for 19 cents plus 3 cents postage! The S&W stamped ones are extremely rare. As said above, the damaged forcing cone can be replaced. The engraving is probably by either Oscar Young or Harry Jarvis, S&W's factory engravers at the time the gun was shipped. Ed.

welcome to the forum. what an entrance! man, that is very sweet. it is a shame when you run across a l-s with the damaged forcing cone, but this one is downright painful!

now, i have a question for you guys. what exactly is done to repair the forcing cone, especially on a nickel revolver? does dave c. do this repair? i have run across these a few times (admittedly not this sweet!), and have always ended up passing on them because of the f-c damage.

again, welcome to the forum to pfc, and thanks for the pics of that jewel!

ed

WOW, your Ladysmith is gorgeous! I would like to see picks of your grandparents.

I, really appreciate all the helpful information. Yes, it is some what painful but it's nice to know it can be, maybe, repaired. It's still nice to look at! I didn't realize the holster would be that rare. I have to thank "opoefc" for the wealth of knowledge on these tiny revolvers.