Help in serial number research

[ibjean325]

New member here. I have a top break "lemon squeezer" serial number:55112
I understand its an earlier model. Looking for information on date of manufacturer, possible value, and worth the time effort and money to clean up the appearance. Otherwise the firearm is in excellent shape. Tight cylinder, excellent bore, operates perfectly.

 

[murphydog]

Welcome! You have a fairly early .32 Safety Hammerless.

Others here can give you an approximate age for it. The best way to find its exact sales or ship date and destination is a letter of authenticity from the S & W Historical Foundation.

 

[glowe]

OK, lets try this again. Welcome to the Forum! Forgot to look at the cylinder length. It is obviously a 32 S&W caliber Safety revolver, not a 38!! With that serial number, you have a 32 Safety, 1st Model revolver made from 1888 to 1902 in serial number range 1 - 91,417. Your revolver shipped around 1894 and is classified as an antique.

It is best to just leave it alone and get a box of 32 S&W to shoot it occasionally. There were almost a quarter-million made in an anemic caliber, and certainly not bullseye shooters. If I were to guess at value, maybe $150 and maybe less. Might try to polish it up a bit with some chrome polish and leave it at that.

BTW - I just spent almost $1000 on eye exam and replaced all my glasses, so that was not the problem!!

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Welcome to the Forum! You have a 38 Safety, 3rd Model, also called a New Departure revolver.

I think you better take a closer look at the OP's revolver.


Cheers!
Webb

 

[gmborkovic]

Gary, get your glasses checked, I just did and makes a world of difference.

 

[ibjean325]

Thanks for the information. Mechanically it’s in excellent condition but as I have no real attachment to this early pistol and will polish and plan to dispose of it. Maybe trade towards an early Mossberg bolt gun.