Any info on a S&W lemon squeezer sn 23626

[ifranz]

I purchased a .32 S&W top break double action revolver with a three inch barrel and an interesting grip safety. I believe this is a "lemon squeezer". The serial number is 23626. I'm interested in any information anyone might have on this type of revolver, specifically the year of manufacture and the model name.

Thanks!

 

[elrod]

First, welcome to TFL.

I believe your gun to be a .32 Safety Hammerless, AKA .32 New Departure or .32 Lemon Squeezer. According to the serial#, it is the 1st Model, which was manfactured between 1888 and 1902. The serial numbers ended with 91417, so yours is an earlier made gun. Hope that helps.

 

[James K]

A little extrapolation comes up with a wild guess of about 1891. It is almost certainly an antique under federal law in the U.S.

Jim

 

[Gbro]

Shooting And Fishing Magazine (1888).
"The New Hammerless Safety Revolver"
Superiority In Every Point Universally Conceded
"Absolute protection from accidental discharge assured"
(Could you see a gun manufacture making that statement today)?
No price posted.

Montgomery Ward & Co., Chicago (1895)
Genuine Smith & Wesson Hammerless.
Hammerless Revolver, automatic ejector, 32 caliber
center fire, 3 1/2 inch barrel, nickel plated,
double action, self cocking; weight 16 ounces, 5 shot. Each.....$11.50
By mail, extra...................................................................... .19

The terms "Center Fire" and "Central Fire" are used in many descriptions in this catalog.