I recently acquired a Fourth Gen 38 Safety Hammerless (ser #152XXX) which I estimate to be manufactured 1900-1901. The overall condition of the pistol was very good with most of the original bluing on the frame still amazingly intact with some slight surface rust. The cylinder however was not so good. After a good soaking and a toothbrush scrub, it is obvious that the cylinder had been nickel plated. The serial number on the cylinder does match so this begs the question: was this pistol manufactured as a two-tone model at the turn of the century? I would like to restore it to its original condition of mfg if that is the case.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the Forum. Without pictures, we can make few comments on the finish of the Safety. Any attempts to "restore" the gun will lower value, not raise it. Refinished guns have no original finish left, plus these revolvers are not worth much in today's marker, mostly because of low demand means low prices. As far as the "pinto" finish, it is very unlikely that the factory would have made such a gun, but the only way to know for sure is to get a historical letter. It will tell you how the gun left the factory. You can get more information here: Letters – Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation

. . . oh almost forgot, the gun is called a 38 Safety Hammerless, not a lemon squeezer.

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Gary
SWCA 2515