22 Ladysmith 3rd Model 6" target

Model52guy · #1 06-09-2015, 10:22 PM

Hi all,
Didn't really have any interest in the old Ladysmiths but love Pre K22s. I was in a small pawn shop today and lying in the display case between the plastic guns and the 1911's is this little 22 Ladysmith third model for 500 bucks. Went home looked it up in the Standard Catalog, went right back and bought it for 450 plus tax. SN is 23692. All numbers match. SN's on the butt, under the barrel, on the cylinder, on the bottom side of the target sight and penciled on the RH grip. No dates stamped on the frame under grips so I assume it's 'as original'. A few scratches and some bluing wear on the barrel end and cylinder edge and a turn line, but generally in excellent condition. The forcing cone is perfect, I don't think it has been shot much.
A couple of questions:
I assume it is 1919-1920 ship date as the last one was 26154 shipped in 1921. Anybody have a better date? Is it worth getting a letter from Roy Jinks?
How rare is the 6" with target sights?
I know what I paid was probably a pretty good deal, but how good a deal? What is this pistol really worth?
Thanks for your help.

raljr1 · #2 06-09-2015, 10:30 PM

I'm no expert, but that looks pretty nice. it should easily be worth two to three times what you paid

DCWilson · #3 06-09-2015, 10:53 PM

Good looking specimen. I have the much rougher 23609, which according to factory records shipped in September 1914. I don't think you can do a straight interpolation from serial number to approximate shipping date on these guns.

You got that one at a bargain price. Target Ladysmiths are not commonly seen in any condition, let alone a condition as nice as that one shows. Unless there is something odd about the gun that I don't see in the photos, it seems to me that is at least a $1500-2000 item, maybe more. I haven't tracked prices on these for the last couple of years.

merl67 · #4 06-09-2015, 11:00 PM

That is a real beauty as you a lot of these have the forcing cone damage and you got a target one to boot. WOW !!!

EdF702 · #5 06-10-2015, 02:09 AM

Congrats! It's worth what the market will bear, but that is a very desirable and pretty rare bird! You did great!

Hondo44 · #6 06-10-2015, 07:15 AM

Wow! There might be a warrant out for your arrest for what you paid for that one!

Pre war target** models have 9 serial # locations. Here's more serial # locations you can look for on your 'M' frame if interested:

Gun butt
Barrel - bottom of barrel
Yoke - on rear face visible thru a chamber with a flashlight
Extractor star - backside
Cylinder - rear face
Right stock

**Target models will have the serial number on the front sight, under rear sight, and the rear sight blade although sometimes not, and sometimes #'d with assembly (factory work) # instead of serial #. All three parts must be removed to observe the #s. Non-numbered front and rear sight blades have typically been replaced, in most observations.

weatherby · #7 06-10-2015, 07:45 AM

Thanks for showing that one.
What a fine elegant example

Model52guy · #8 06-10-2015, 08:47 AM

Thanks to everybody for the info.
I did look, except I did not remove the front sight. Serial numbers match for everything. When I disassembled for cleaning and lube, I couldn't figure out how to disassemble the extractor from the cylinder. I 'washed' it out with solvent the best I could and re-oiled. The action was a little stiff before cleaning, now works smoothly. didn't look like the side plate had ever been off. The grease was pretty stiff and dark but was still pliable. Washed it all out and re-lubed with Tetra grease.
One more picture of the M frame with my 1932 K22 and my Dan Wesson 357 Max. Supermag.
Thanks again,

Hondo44 · #9 06-10-2015, 02:54 PM

Now you just need an I frame to go in between your M and K frames.

.22/32 Heavy Frame Target:

DGT · #10 06-11-2015, 09:31 AM

That is one slick little revolver. Congratulations.