Posted 9 years ago
MySweetFinds
(12 items)
This was my grandfathers gun given to me by my daddy. It's a Smith and Wesson Springfield Markings are: mass. U. (/something else can't read) few other markings but I can't make it out ..any idea of a year of this gun and history
MySweetFinds,
To start off with, Smith & Wesson never used the term "Lemon Squeeze" or Squeezer", the correct term is, Safety Hammerless or New Departure.
With knowing the serial number, located on the bottom of the grip frame, I can be more specific.
These were made in .32 S&W caliber & .38 S&W caliber. This appears to be a .32 S&W caliber with a cylinder length of 0.95 inch.
Looking at the "push down barrel latch" on the top strap, this would identify it as a .32 Safety Hammerless 1st Model and the serial number should fall within the range of 1 - 91417. These were manufactured between 1888 - 1902.
Standard barrel lengths were 3" or 3-1/2". 2" or 6" are rare.
They were made with a nickel finish or a blue finish with nickel being the most common.
The "safety bar" or "grip safety" on the backstrap, has to be depressed by the palm of the hand in order to pull the trigger. This prevented a small child from picking up the revolver and just pulling the trigger and firing a round off. It takes a larger hand a a firm grip to fire this revolver.
Thanks for sharing this,
Dave
MySweetFinds,
I forgot to tell you what the stampings on the top of the barrel are.
SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS. USA
PAT'D FEBY.20.77 DEC.18.77 MAY 11.80 SEPT.11.83 OCT.2.83 TWO AUG.4.85
Dave