nice .22 Lady Smith

[Dolf]

Among other things I received a Lady Smith .22 from a collection, it is in very good original condition.
What kind of ammunition can be fired from it?
I heard you can't use a .22lr?
What is this revolver roughly worth in America?
Unfortunately couldn't find a comparable one?
Best Regards
Christian

 

[murphydog]

If in original condition (and I don't see any indication it is not), my value guess would be about $1000. That may be a low estimate.

The .22 S & W cartridge has the same dimensions as the .22 Long, an LR length case with a Short length bullet. Many of these have destroyed forcing cones from firing .22 LR, and for shooting most recommend .22 BB caps (.22 Short case length, primer +/- a tiny powder charge) or CB cap (same, in a .22 Long case). RWS makes both, at least on their website (.22/6 mm Flobert and Z Lang).

Enjoy!

 

[jeffrefrig]

That is a very nice-looking revolver. I will be anxious to see answers and opinions myself. I'll be checking this post later today now that you have my attention, also!

 

[Kansasgunner]

My goodness Christian, you have received a veritable treasure trove of very nice old Smith and Wessons!
I can't wait to see what else you have to show us.

 

[JohnK]

If Smith made a modern (strong) version of this gun, it would sell like hot cakes.

I wonder why they haven't done so.

 

[Wrangler Rich]

Wow, another beautiful unique Smith & Wesson from long ago! It really is Christmas in Germany!

WR

 

[cgt4570]

I concur with Alan.
.22BB or .22CB caps only. No full power .22 shorts or .22 longs.

I shoot my Ladysmiths and Model 1 tip-ups with .22 CB caps. They're even fairly accurate at close range.
It was popular in Europe for 'parlor guns' for indoor shooting over a century ago. They call it "6mm Flobert". Same cartrige.
.22 CB - Wikipedia

 

[kraynky]

That it a gorgeous revolver. Why am I seeing 2 knurled knobs beneath the barrel?

 

[walter o]

the large knob is on the ejector rod the smaller knob is pulled to release the cyl to swing out .no thumb latch in the 2nd and 3 model

 

[raljr1]

I think $1000 is about 50% low, and if that is an original finish, that would be the low end....and CB caps are all that should be shot from these old guns.. if that is original condition, I would not shoot it if it were mine.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[gregintenn]

I think $1000 is about 50% low, and if that is an original finish, that would be the low end....and CB caps are all that should be shot from these old guns.. if that is original condition, I would not shoot it if it were mine.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

I would love to find one for $1000.
That sure is a nice one!

 

[raljr1]

I would love to find one for $1000.
That sure is a nice one!

Agreed. If I saw one like that for $1000, I'd dislocate my elbow getting my wallet out.

Robert

 

[delcrossv]

Beautiful 2nd model Christian! You can shoot Aguila Colibri 22 longs or CCI 22 Long CB caps safely in these.

If that's original nickel, and it looks righteous to me, it's easily a $2000 gun these days.

Here's one of mine.

 

[Dolf]

According to a personal message to me, the blue ones are much rarer on this model ??

 

[delcrossv]

According to a personal message to me, the blue ones are much rarer on this model ??

In high condition, yes more uncommon. That said, I've seen enough low condition 2nd models of both flavors that I wouldn't hazard a guess as to relative rarity in production.

There's not a lot of disparity in auction prices between blue and nickel though.

 

[raljr1]

According to a personal message to me, the blue ones are much rarer on this model ??

Any in the condition of yours seem to be rare...lots of these are in poor condition, whatever the finish. I have a refinished 1st model that is nowhere near the condition of yours and you could not buy it for $1000.





Robert

 

[H Richard]

I saw one in nearly as nice of condition on a lo-line seller a few days ago, until I got the side view that showed the entire forcing cone area was missing. I wondered why the bidding had been that low, no wonder now.

 

[handejector]

According to a personal message to me, the blue ones are much rarer on this model ??

I think that a very high proportion of Ladysmiths were made in nickel. I am only going on my observations over the years. I have seen more nickel than blue.
High condition Ladys are very scarce. It seems they got used, and, coupled with the damage from modern ammo, pristine guns are rare.
You have a STUNNER! Maybe not pristine, but the best I have seen in YEARS. At auction here in the US, it might bring a stunning amount. If I were selling it, I would price it at $3000 or 3500 and see what happened.

 

[delcrossv]

I think that a very high proportion of Ladysmiths were made in nickel. I am only going on my observations over the years. I have seen more nickel than blue.
High condition Ladys are very scarce. It seems they got used, and, coupled with the damage from modern ammo, pristine guns are rare.
You have a STUNNER! Maybe not pristine, but the best I have seen in YEARS. At auction here in the US, it might bring a stunning amount. If I were selling it, I would price it at $3000 or 3500 and see what happened.

Seems a little steep to me Lee. Maybe if it has the original box, but unless it's a 6" or a target they're generally below $3k for a nice one.

FWIW, a few years ago I got a similar condition 2nd model- one family gun with the original box but with dealer installed pearls for $1500. Good deal? Sure, but not that good a deal.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

I agree with Lee. I sold a collection of all three variations of the Model M and had no problem getting two and 3 times what the owner originally paid. A mint condition Model M will command a high price. I bought this one from a friend 10 years ago, I paid a premium.