What do I have here???

[SouthernWhitetailHunter]

My dad just gave me a Smith & Wesson that he called a lemon squeezer?? It was given to him by his father. Now my dad just turned 90, so I am guessing it's old.
It has the following on the barrel.
Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA (top )
38 S & W CTG (side of barrel )
Serial Number 225763 (stamped in different locations)
Of course you have to sqeeze the handle to fire it and it is a break open from the top.
Any help would be very greatful.....Mike

 

[SouthernWhitetailHunter]

My dad just gave me a Smith & Wesson that he called a lemon squeezer?? It was given to him by his father. Now my dad just turned 90, so I am guessing it's old.
It has the following on the barrel.
Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass USA (top )
38 S & W CTG (side of barrel )
Serial Number 225763 (stamped in different locations)
Of course you have to sqeeze the handle to fire it and it is a break open from the top.
Any help would be very greatful.....Mike

 

[opoefc]

Welcome to the Forum, you have a .38 New Departure Safety Hammerless, 5th model, according to the serial number. Probably made about 1906- 07, so it's a 100 yr. old gun. Finishes were blue or nickel, unless you wanted a special order gold plated, engraved. etc. Grips were black checkered hard rubber, with the option of pearl or ivory for extra money. Your model was made from 1907 until 1940 for a total of some 41,500 made. They were a popular gun and from the 1st model to the 5th model, some 260,000 were made. The same design was also made in .32 caliber.

 

[SouthernWhitetailHunter]

Many thanks. I will try to post pics asap. Mike