Early Bekearts - What is (and isn't) Known

Yours is the 2nd type Bekeart as described below. It also tells us that your gun was one of the first production up to grip number 1044, but is not on the list known to have shipped to Bekeart, and therefore was shipped to another dealer:


The four classification of "True" Bekeart Models 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 produced.

1st classification of "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 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 numbers 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.
 
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As Jim stated, your gun is part of the initital production run ordered by Bekeart but did not go to him. I would love the details for my database so if you could either post photos of both sides or PM me, I will add it to the list.

The guns in my database on either side of yours did go to Bekeart. 138,743 in the 8/31/1911 shipment and 138,780 in the 6/30/1911 shipment. Again showing that they did not ship in serial number order.

Your gun should have 2 screw extension stocks with gold medallions and a Paine front sight. Should also have a small logo on the left side.
 
Thank you so much !!!
Have not bought it yet, as they seem to want quite a premium over the later production 85% one I just purchased for a shooter.
Guess I need to pony up.
Stock No. 283.....which just happens to be my favorite V-8.
 
Welcome to the forum That gun shipped to Bekeart on 6/30/1911 and according to my database is in good condition. The first serial number produced was 138,226 so numerically 138,337 is the 112th serial number in sequence. The butt stock number which indicates that this was the 283rd assembled just goes to further show that S&W's were not assembled or shipped in any serial number order.

This gun should have a Paine front sight and a U notch rear sight.
 
James,

Is that ship date of 6/30/11 for # 138337 from a letter?
By my count the 283rd shipped would be in the 6th shipment, order # 7044 of 32 units on 10/13/11.

Can it be anymore confusing?

112th in serial # sequence (many in sequence shipped much later and not all #s used), 283rd shipped, 55th lowest number of the first 294 in the first production run, in the earliest shipments to Bekeart.
 
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That gun shipped to Bekeart on 6/30/1911. The butt stock number which indicates that this was the 283rd (ASSEMBLED) just goes to further show that S&W's were not assembled or shipped in any serial number order.

Is that ship date of 6/30/11 for # 138337 from a letter?
By my count the 283rd shipped would be in the 6th shipment, order # 7044 of 32 units on 10/13/11.
Hi Jim (Hondo 44),

Just to let you know I'm still around & haven't given up my Post Correction Job as yet (Ha!!~Ha!!)...Thought I'd let you...As well as the others know...Look closely & you'll see James (JSR III) noted 138337 as being the 283rd (ASSEMBLED)...Not the 283rd (SHIPPED)!!

And was one of the 60 Revolvers from the 4th Shipment (Order # 4511) that went to Bekeart June 30th, 1911!!
 
Thanks Masterpiece I stand corrected and my apologies James.

Now I'll go back in the corner and wear my dunce hat...again!
 
Thanks Masterpiece I stand corrected and my apologies James.

Now I'll go back in the corner and wear my dunce hat...again!
Hi Jim,

No Biggie...Just doin' my job Boss...Hate to lose a days pay for missin' one...Ha!!~Ha!!

That said...Just to keep things straight...Found another in Post #64...By my count should be the 156th instead of the 55th...Sorry about that Buddy!!
 
Hi Tracy,

Not again! I'm confused: #138227 1st and lowest # used for a Bekeart in the 294 run, right? Wouldn't #138337 be the 55th lowest of the #s used in the first production run of 294?
 
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I'm confused: #138227 1st and lowest # used for a Bekeart in the 294 run, right? Wouldn't #138337 be the 55th lowest of the #s used in the first production run of 294?
Jim,

If you are basing your notation by the order of Serial Numbers of those in the "First Production Run" Bekeart Shipments...Yes it's the 55th Revolver by Serial No.!!

Although given these weren't Assembled...Or Shipped...In any specific order by Serial Number...I'd think going by how they are noted by Serial No. in the Shipments would likely be the correct way to figure in which order they shipped...Or am I wrong in my thinking??
 
I took a gamble on the old 22/32 below. It's just barely
among the first 1050, 139123, so I'm sending off a letter
request to see if it went to Bekeart in San Francisco. A fair
amount of wear but it seems to be consistent with wearing
and shooting. Came with the old style holster. Grips are
numbered 860, have a fair amount of wear but no chips or
cracks. I bought it from a California dealer, that and the old
style holster encouraged me to spend too much.

These old 22/32's are becoming a habit, this is #4 for me.
Rick
005.jpg

I was rereading this thread. Isn't that a picture of a .32 S&W Long Regulation Police?????
 
I have owned #138977 stock #801 for about 20 years now. I bought it at a farm auction in Northern Illinois. It had not had an easy life prior to my owning it, although it is very sound mechanically, aesthetically, it lacks the beauty of it's brethren. I am sure that generations of young Illinois farm boys enjoyed it for it's designated purpose. It undoubtedly provided squirrels, and rabbits for the pot, and eliminated various vermin.

I have not lettered it as I did not think it was one of the Bekeart few. If you could shed some light on it, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks.
WR
 
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Just picked this up today at a local gun show. I was surprised to see it there. #525488 doesn't look too bad for being around 79 years old. No number on the bottom of the stocks.
 

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I have owned #138977 stock #801 for about 20 years now. I bought it at a farm auction in Northern Illinois. It had not had an easy life prior to my owning it, although it is very sound mechanically, aesthetically, it lacks the beauty of it's brethren. I am sure that generations of young Illinois farm boys enjoyed it for it's designated purpose. It undoubtedly provided squirrels, and rabbits for the pot, and eliminated various vermin.

I have not lettered it as I did not think it was one of the Beheart few. If you could shed some light on it, I would be most appreciative.

Thanks.
WR

WR,

From post #61 above, it's at least a class #3 Bekeart. It could be a class #2, but only a letter from the S&W historian will confirm that. It likely shipped in the 3rd quarter of 1911.
 
Just picked this up today at a local gun show. I was surprised to see it there. #525488 doesn't look too bad for being around 79 years old. No number on the bottom of the stocks.

It's in very nice condition. You have a .22/32 Target. Originally when these became a regular production item in 1915, following the special production runs of Bekeart Heavy Frame Target models, they were officially the .22/32 Heavy Frame Target. The #s on the bottom of the left stock for the sequence of assembly ended at 3000 before the 1915 introduction of this model as a regular production model.

After the introduction of the K22 Outdoorsman model in 1930-31, the model name was changed to just .22/32 Target.

Yours is a 1935 issue and may have recessed chambers introduced on the .22/32 Kit Gun in that year. Are the chambers recessed? Yours has the Flat Silver medallions in the target stocks and barrel shaped ejector rod knob of the 1930s vintage models. The matching serial number stamped on the back of the right stock will verify they are original to the gun.

Enjoy, you'll love the accuracy of that one!
 
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Barrel, frame, cylinder, and grip numbers all match. The chambers are NOT recessed. Being close to 530245 which shipped in 2/38 I would have thought this to be a 1937 gun. I realize that guns didn't ship in serial number order.
 
You're right, there was no serial # order to shipping.

However, these two in my data base are much closer to your serial #:

525600 .22/32 Target shipped April 1935, one of the lowest numbered with recessed chambers.
525730 .22/32 Target shipped in December of 1933.
 

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