Lemon Squeezer

[Lemon Squeezer]

The only details I have with the revolver is the Serial Number 114939, the patent dates FFBY 20.77. OFC, 18,77, May 11, 80, September 11. 88, Oct 2, 83 and Aug 4, 85. The safety is on the back of the hand grip. The frame breaks in front of where the hammer would be if it had one. It doesn't and wasn't designed for a hammer. It is double action. The firearm was unloaded when I acquired it so I don't know what caliber it is. After a thorough cleaning I discovered that the lands and grooves inside the barrel show little signs of wear and knowing that other firearms I have from the same period used black powder I found that unusual in a good way. I assume it was rarely used and know it has been sitting around for more than twenty years and perhaps much longer. It appears to be dull nickel finish.

If someone here could help with year of sale date, caliber, value, and any other extraneous information that could be useful, I would greatly appreciate any help.

 

[gmborkovic]

Appears to be a S&W 32. Nice little gun. Ship date, dont know.
Value, with box, around $700. Tough with one pic. Best

 

[Absalom]

Based on the serial you provided, and sharing Mike's assumption that it is a .32, I believe you have a Safety Hammerless Second Model. They were made from 1900 to 1909, starting at No. 91501; I have 145xxx that shipped in Oct. 1906, so 114xxx would likely fall into 1903/04 maybe. As for potential value, based on what's visible in just one photo, if all-original, with box, I'd agree with Mike, maybe a bit lower.

 

[JSR III]

Welcome to the forum.

More photos of all sides of the box and close ups of both sides of the barrel as well as one showing the cylinder face and muzzle would be helpful in answering some of your questions.

Just so you know, lemon squeezer is a collector term and never used by the factory. S&W referred to these guns as either a hammerless safety or safety hammerless.

Seems like a nice gun.

 

[merl67]

Wow what a time capsule looks like someone bought it and put it away. A little polishing with a soft cloth I suspect il turn that dull nickle into bright in no time which would be how it left the. factory. Oh almost forgot my manners welcome to the best forum for all things Smith & Wesson.

 

[glowe]

Why all the tentative replies? Your 32 Safety, 2nd Model left the factory around 1903. There were about 80,000 2nd Models made from 1902 to 1909. Caliber is 32 S&W and ammo is still available from major ammunition manufacturers.

Nickel will take on a slightly dull appearance over the decades and can be cleaned with a high quality polish like Mothers Mag Polish. Gently remove the oxidation and wax the gun with a good microcrystalline wax.

If in near 100% condition, the gun would be worth $450 and the box another $125. If there are original numbers on the bottom that match the gun, then you would see a premium.

 

[gene814]

This top break was advertised as a New Departure model. Great little gun I'm hooked on mine.


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[glowe]

This top break was advertised as a New Departure model. Great little gun I'm hooked on mine.

The box and catalogs of the era used this term as well. The New Departure was probably more of a marketing idea than a factory name. Remember that many of the current model names used were developed in the mid to late twentieth century to help collectors differentiate the advances and differences in a particular caliber and model.

If the OP ever shoots it, there is an immediate sensation of gratification that a quality made revolver from over 100 years ago will still function as it did the day the first shot was fired from it. I always have fun letting others shoot these models for the first time. It takes a few rounds to discover one of the best secrets of how this gun can achieve great accuracy over their competition. Anyone care to tell the OP what that is or should we let the owner find out for themselves?

 

[gmborkovic]

OK, $575 as Gary stated. I dont figure my $700. pumped the guy up to much. But you never know.

 

[shouldazagged]

Welcome aboard. I hope you'll stick around this great forum.

That's a fine-looking little revolver, and I'm envious.

Please let us know how it shoots--we like range reports.