Help with new purchase

[smithrjd]

What did I just buy?? Thinking it is an early K22. Don't have serial number yet but several things are interesting. Grips, elector rod. Pictures are not the best.

[gunnails]

$90, I say you did good, it looks in good shape and could possibly be a Bekart (sp).

[wheelgun610]

22/32 "Heavy Frame Target", aka; Bekeart Model. Built on the I frame beginning in 1911. Much smaller gun than a K-22.

Mark

[smithrjd]

I was thinking Bekeart, but was not sure. The bluing is a bit beat up, offered from an estate for $650. Seller thinks he has the box as well. Been looking for a 22LR S&W, well be happy with this one if is turns out. I have an I frame 6" in 32 long, so a sibling..

[smithrjd]

Well I did buy the pistol, 226*** so 1915? No stamping on the lower grip. Bluing a bit beat up paid $600, might be a bit high but in CA I don't see these often. Mechanically fine.

[wheelgun610]

The stocks are the correct style for the 1910-1920 period. The S/N would've been penciled in on the right side panel. Penciled number are often difficult to read unless you have good magnification and look at just the right angle. Sometimes a close up photo will even reveal numbers that the naked eye can't see....

As for price, if the condition is good, and if you like the gun - you didn't pay too much. Even if you did overpay a little, so what? It's only money. You'll make more....

Mark

[Eddie Southgate]

Originally Posted by gunnails

$90, I say you did good, it looks in good shape and could possibly be a Bekart (sp).

[DWalt]

The closest SN to 226xxx on my list is 2252xx shipping in 8/15. Did you get the box?

[smithrjd]

Still waiting for the transfer meeting, will not know about the box until then. I am getting one however. He did say it did not have the serial number on the box. Early ones often did not have a serial or a label from what I know. He did not look at the bottom of the box. It was #90 out of a 107 gun collection.. The retired CHP's collection was huge, the reloading stuff is a garage full. Will check the grips for the serial as well. No numbers on the bottom of the grips.

[Hondo44]

The four basic classifications of the “.22/32 Bekeart Model 1911” in order of their collectability and value are summarized below from the SCS&W, 3rd edition and other sources:

In April 25, 1911 an order for the 1st production run of 1050 serial #s, of the Model 1911 Bekeart models began in the serial range of # 138226 thru # 139275, completed on July 10, 1911. Only 1044 revolvers were actually completed/shipped and their grips were #’d 1 - 1044. The 1st 3000 guns were numbered 1 to 3000 on the butt of the left stock in the order that they were assembled.

1st classification, the "True" Bekearts, the “Model 1911 22/32 Bekeart HFTs” are the 294 (lately revised from 292 by Roy Jinks) from that original production run on the known serial number list within the above serial range that were actually shipped to Bekeart.

2nd class of Bekearts are the remainder of the guns in that 1044 production run and serial range that went to other dealers.

3rd class of Bekearts is the remainder with grip number order of assembly from #1045 to #3000, shipped to Bekeart or not, after which grip #s were discontinued, but there is no official factory 'list' of serial numbers for this class, albeit there are accumulated partial lists from lettered guns; the grip number and with grip serial number matching the gun, being sufficient to identify them along with a factory letter.

4th and last class, although least valuable or desirable, is any “22/32 Heavy Frame Target” from after the 1st production run that 'letters' as being shipped to Bekeart Sporting goods in S.F., since there is no official serial number list for this class.

Phil Bekeart, a San Francisco gun dealer, is credited with the concept of a larger (than the existing 7 shot .22 Long ‘M’ frame) .22 LR target revolver built on the I frame 1st called the “Model 1911 Bekeart Model, 22/32 HFT”. He agreed to order 1000 of the new model if S&W would produce it. When Smith added this model to regular production c.1915 it was given the model name of “22/32 Heavy Frame Target”, because relative to the tiny M frame Ladysmith, the only other Smith .22 at the time, it was a heavier frame. Changed to “22/32 Target” in ~ 1930 when the K22, a heavier, K frame .22 was introduced.