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LOT 202
Exceptional Factory
Engraved Smith & Wesson
.32 Safety Hammerless
Second Model Double Action
Revolver with Pearl Grips - Serial no. 127719, 32 S&W cal., 3 inch solid
rib bbl., blue finish, pearl grips. Manufactured c. 1902 to 1909, this is an
attractive, very fine, factory engraved example of a Smith & Wesson .32 Safety
Hammerless revolver. Introduced in 1887, Smith & Wesson’s safety hammerless
revolvers were a top-of-the-line, concealable, pocket revolver at the time. With
their internal hammers, these revolvers could be easily tucked away in a pocket without
worry of snagging the hammer. This example shows beautiful factory floral scroll engraving
on the frame, cylinder, and barrel that was almost certainly executed by Smith & Wesson Master
Engraver Oscar Young. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the two-line address and patent dates flanked
by Maltese crosses. The left side of the barrel has the caliber marking, also flanked by Maltese crosses. The matching serial number is
marked on the butt, rear face of the cylinder, and bottom of the barrel latch. It is fitted with a pinned blade front sight, notch rear sight on
top of the barrel latch, and a pair of very attractive, smooth pearl grips with S&W monogram medallions.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 90% of the bright, original, high polish blue finish with some thinned patches showing a plum-brown
patina, most concentrated on the grip straps and bottom of the barrel, and the engraving remaining exceptionally crisp. The grips are excellent with only
the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A very attractive factory engraved .32 Safety Hammerless revolver!
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 201
Extremely Rare Documented
U.S. Army Trials Smith & Wesson
.38 Safety Hammerless Revolver
with Factory Letter - Serial no. 41470, 38 S&W cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1890, Smith &
Wesson historian Don Mundell notes that this revolver is one of only 100 of these .38 Safety Hammerless revolvers purchased by the U.S.
government for U.S. Army trials in May of 1890. These revolvers have Third Model features despite being in the Second Model serial number
range, 41333-41470 (note serial number of this revolver). The included factory letter lists the revolver with blue finish, 6 inch barrel with pinned
blade front sight, notch rear sight cut in the raised section of the barrel latch, and hard rubber round-butt grips. Additionally, Mundell notes in the
factory letter that very few of these revolvers have survived, and it is believed that most were destroyed during U.S. Army testing. The revolver has the
push button barrel release, two line address/patent dates on the top of the barrel rib, and is marked “U.S.” on the left side of the barrel lug. Casehardened trigger,
five round fluted cylinder, and black checkered hard rubber grips with S&W logos at the top. The serial number on the butt, cylinder, and barrel all match. This is
an ultra rare and desirable collector’s piece.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 70% plus of the original blue finish with the balance mostly a brown patina, some scattered patches of light pitting, and some
scattered light dings and scratches. The grips are very fine showing an attractively aged chocolate tone, some mild wear, and distinct checkering. The markings
including “U.S.” remain crisp. Mechanically excellent. An extremely rare U.S. Army trials Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless revolver!
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
According to "Standard
Catalog of Smith & Wesson"
by Supica and Nahas,
approximately 100 Smith
& Wesson .38 Safety
Hammerless revolvers were
sold to the U.S. Government
in May of 1890.