Aug 28, 2012 - I think I have a pre-1900 38 s&w lemon squeezer.but not sure. I picked this gun. Do what he suggested and check that serial number again.
- Smith & Wesson “Lemon Squeezer”.38 Safety Hammerless model. The serial numbers in this popular model started at 116.003 and ended with serial#.
- SMITH & WESSON SAFETY HAMMERLESS.32S&W LEMON SQUEEZER 3' BLUE BICYCLE GUN REVOLVER, CIRCA 1930'S. Serial number '214XXX' with.
| Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless | |
|---|---|
| Type | Revolver |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Smith & Wesson |
| Produced | 1887-1940 |
| Specifications | |
| Caliber | .38 S&WBlackpowder .32 S&W |
| Action | Double Action |
| Feed system | 5-round cylinder |
| Sights | Fixed |
The Smith & Wesson Safety Hammerless or Smith & Wesson New Departure (nicknamed by collectors as the Lemon Squeezer) is a double-action revolver that was produced from 1887 to 1940 by Smith & Wesson. Based on the Smith & Wesson Model 2 double-action design, the revolver incorporated an internal hammer and an external grip safety on its back-strap. It was chambered in .32 S&W and .38 S&W calibers; these revolvers were cancelled prior to World War II, being eclipsed by the stronger hand ejector models.
.32 and .38 Safety Hammerless models[edit]
Lemon Squeezer Smith
Smith And Wesson Lemon Squeezer Serial Number List
The Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless models were produced from 1887 (1888 for the 32) to just before World War II. They were chambered in either .32 S&W or .38 S&W with a five-shot cylinder. They were most often produced with a 2-inch, 3-inch, or 3.5-inch barrels; but some 6' barrelled versions are known to exist.[1]
These top-break revolvers were designed for fast reloading and concealed carry as the hammer was internal and would not snag on drawing the revolver from a pocket. They were known as 'The New Departure' to reflect the company's new approach to designing revolvers.[1]
Minor design changes were made to these revolvers over the years, resulting in several different design models, as termed by collectors. The first model was manufactured between 1887-1902. The .38 was based on S&W's medium frame, while the .32 was based on the smaller sized '1½' frame.[2][3]
Return of the hammerless[edit]
Smith And Wesson Lemon Squeezer 32 Serial Numbers
In 1952 the safety hammerless concept was applied to Smith & Wesson's J-frame. The finished product became the Model 40 and 42 chambered in .38 Special and is alternately known as the Smith & Wesson Centennial as it was produced in the 100th anniversary of the founding of Smith & Wesson.[1][4] While few competitors replicated the grip safety, the internal hammer or 'hammerless' design proved popular with other manufacturers such as Iver Johnson and Harrington & Richardson. The Centennial (without grip safeties) are still made by S&W, and have been copied by other revolver manufacturers.[1]
References[edit]
Smith And Wesson Lemon Squeezer 38
- ^ abcdSupica, Jim; Richard Nahas (2007). Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (3 ed.). Iola, Wisconsin: F+W Media, Inc. pp. 78–79, 151. ISBN978-0-89689-293-4.
- ^Shideler, Dan (2011). The Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices 2011 Official Gun Digest Book of Guns and Prices (6 ed.). Gun Digest Books. p. 874. ISBN978-1-4402-1435-6.
- ^Flayderman, Norm (2007). Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values (9 ed.). F+W Media, Inc. p. 282. ISBN978-0-89689-455-6.
- ^Boorman, Dean K. (2002). The History of Smith & Wesson Firearms. Globe Pequot. p. 39. ISBN978-1-58574-721-4.