Frame designation for DA & LEMONSQUEEZERS

[bullstone]

I am needing a clarification on frame designations,I have type 3 hammerless 38s&w lemonsqueezers manufactured in the 1895 -1900 year range and also a couple of 38 DA dated 1903 . I have been told these are type I frames ? but are seeing many grips being sold as type I grips but when put on my DA & Squeezers they are way to small by almost a 1/2 inch .Am I wrong in mine being I frame or are these grip sellers not representing their grips correctly ? All help would be gratfully appreciated ,I am posting some pics below to show what I am finding.

Thanks Bullstone

 

[GSonnen]

The "I" frame designation refers to the first line of solid frame hand ejectors that started in 1896. They initially were chambered in .32 S&W Long, then .22 (the 22/32 Kit Gun) and then .38 S&W (the Regulation Police).

The revolver in your picture is a 38 Safety Hammerless (aka "New Departure", aka "Lemon Squeezer"). It is built on the top break "No. 2" frame. The Safety Hammerless grips will fit 38 DA's as they are No. 2 frames as well.

 

[bullstone]

GSonnen:
Thanks so much for setting me straight ,so I should search for grips for the new departure,lemonsqueezer , safety hammerless or #2 type frame ? am I correct.?
Thanks again, Bullstone

 

[GSonnen]

Correct. In your search you may find grips for the .32 cal Safety Hammerless. These will be smaller and will not fit your .38. I'm guessing those grips in your picture are from a .32. If you search for a place called NC Ordnance, they make reproduction grips for these old guns.