Great Grandfather's S&W hammerless 38

[leatherman95]

When my Dad pasted away back in 2006 he left me a collection of guns to add to the small collection I already had. I was able to identify most of the guns, but I have a couple that were pretty old and not too sure about. One is a Colt officers model 22LR revolver, that I was told was my grandfather's gun during WWII. He piloted a bomber in WWII and was shot down in Switzerland and was a POW near the end of the war. Anyway, I was able to figure out it is a 1938 model and it is in very fine condition.
The other gun I have not been able to figure out much about. It was my great grandfathers S&W 38 Hammerless top-break revolver. I think it is referred to as a lemon squeezer because of the grip safety. The serial # is 248433 and is stamped a couple places on the gun. It is a 5 shot, blued with original black grips and fixed sights with a half moon front sight. It has 38 S&W CTG stamped on the left side barrel and SMITH & WESSON on the right side barrel. Also on the right side has a S&W emblem engraved above the grip. On top of the barrel is marked SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS USA. Would like to find out what year this gun was made, and any other information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[Oyeboten]

Sounds like your S & W is a Fifth Model Safety Hammerless, serial Numbers ran from 220,000 in 1907, to, 261493 in 1940 when production ceased,

 

[Old Fuff]

The Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless revolver (also known as the New Departure Model, and nicknamed the "lemon squeezer" because of its grip safety) was introduced in 1886 and became so popular that it remained in production until 1940 or '41.

They were chambered to use the .38 S&W cartridge, and the cylinder held 5 rounds. Standard barrel lengths were 3 1/4", 4" 5" and 6", with 2 inches added during the 1930's. Regular finishes were full blue, or nickel plate with a blued trigger guard and barrel latch. Triggers on both were color case hardened. The stocks were usually black hard rubber, with checkered walnut or pearl being available at extra cost.

With its enclosed hammer and grip safety is was for many, the best choice for a pocket gun, during its day. Owners included president Teddy Roosevelt among others.

Your revolver, serial No. 248,433 is a 5th Model, made between 1907 and 1940, within a serial number range of approximately 220,001 to 261,493 which would probably date it in the middle/latter 1930's.

To obtain more specific information you'll have to go to Smith & Wesson. See the details below:

Information concerning historical letters of authentication from Smith & Wesson’s historian, Roy G. Jinks can be obtained from the link listed below.

In exchange for a $50.00 research fee (make any check out to Smith & Wesson, not Mr. Jinks) he will search through the company’s original records until he finds your particular revolver. He will then send you an official letter which usually includes:

A short history of the revolver model’s background.

What the barrel length, caliber/cartridge, finish and stocks were, as well as the exact date it was shipped from the factory – and to what distributor, dealer or individual – as whatever the case may be.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=10001&content=25301&sectionId=10504

 

[leatherman95]

Thank you very much for the replies. I have enjoyed reading though all the replies you post Old Fuff......always very helpful and full of knowledge! Thanks again!