22/32 Bekearts

[njpycha]

I have a Bekeart that is Frame SN208403 with a name and number on the wood grip butt that says SKIPPER and 2398.
The person from whom I bought the gun thought it had been in New York City. I would like to know if any of this can be authenticated. Would also like to know about other numbered Bekearts.
nJeanPycha #1071

 

[JSR III]

Welcome to the forum. As a result of your like placed on another Bekeart thread that had faded away, I brought it back to life and it should be seen nearby. That is an interesting gun and the highest serial number and stock number that I have recorded to date.

I am not sure about the NY connection, but a factory history letter might indicate shipment to the city. On the other hand, the gun could have shipped to California and merely ended up in NYC.

Not sure what information you are looking for about other Bekearts, but ask away and we will do the best we can to answer.

Photos of your gun would be neat if possible. Also, any modifications. Early guns had a Paine front sight and later guns had a Patridge front sight. Some guns have the two screw extension target stocks while others have the smaller regulation police style. I have also seen several with a bobbed hammer that seems to be a popular modification of the times. So fill us in.

 

[murphydog]

Very nice! The rear sight blade (slide) appears to have been replaced.

A factory letter will tell you the date and destination of shipment, but any information after this will obviously not be in company records:

Firearm History Request - Smith & Wesson

Hope this is helpful.

 

[njpycha]

ALAN SWCA #2023
Yes, believe the rear sight has been modified or replaced.
I have requested a letter.
NJeanPycha SWCA #1071

 

[njpycha]

JAMES,
I am new to the Forum. I don't know if some other photos would help, but I think my limit was 5. Anyway, looking at the older threads, I wonder if someone could value my Bekeart in comparison to other earlier numbered models. I would also appreciate any copies of original S&W sheets that may have accompanied the guns on delivery.
Thanks!
N.JeanPycha
SWCA #1071

 

[Hondo44]

I have a Bekeart that is Frame SN208403 with a name and number on the wood grip butt that says SKIPPER and 2398.
The person from whom I bought the gun thought it had been in New York City. I would like to know if any of this can be authenticated. Would also like to know about other numbered Bekearts.
nJeanPycha #1071

Welcome to the forum. That's a nice one!

Before talking about value it's important to know if the penciled # on the backside of the right grip matches the SN of the gun. You'll need very good light to see it if it's there.

 

[njpycha]

Jim,
we have determined that the penciled number inside the grip does match the frame number. I know that the earlier Bekearts that are grip numbered under 1000 are probably the most valuable. Just wondering about my Bekeart's possible value range.
Thanks,
nJeanPycha #1071