Guns International #: 103053085
Seller's Inventory #: 250004

Category - Smith & Wesson Revolvers - 22/32 - Handguns - American Revolvers

Category
Smith & Wesson Revolvers - 22/32
Handguns - American Revolvers

Rare 2” Barrel SMITH & WESSON .32 Safety Hammerless “BICYCLE" Revolver C&R 5-Shot Smith & Wesson NEW DEPARTURE Lemon Squeezer

Description:
Rare 2” Barrel SMITH & WESSON .32 Safety Hammerless “BICYCLE" Revolver C&R

5-Shot Smith & Wesson NEW DEPARTURE Lemon Squeezer

Here we present a C&R 2nd Model Smith & Wesson .32 Double Action Safety Hammerless “Bicycle” Revolver, with the rare 2” barrel made circa 1902 through 1909 in Springfield, Massachusetts with a serial number range of 91418 through 169999. The Smith & Wesson 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.

They were most often produced with a 3-inch, 3-.5 inch, or 4-inch barrel. But some 2” and 6" barreled versions are known to exist. This revolver was made to be a simple, compact and reliable firearm that one could carry in a pocket or a holster around the turn of the 20th Century. This revolver features an internal hammer design to remove risk of snagging or stopping the action. There is a grip safety built into the back of the grip frame, thus giving it the nickname of “Lemon Squeezer”. The frame is a top-break design that activates the automatic ejector.  These are very nice features from the turn of the 20th Century! They were known as "The New Departure" to reflect the company's new approach to designing revolvers.

This 5-shot revolver would have been ideal to keep in a pocket or a small holster for self-defense in the turbulent early 20th Century. This little snub-nosed revolver was nicknamed “Bicycle Gun” due to its small size and particularly short barrel. The term was coined during a time when bicycles were really coming into their own and people used them as a primary mode of transport. Savage dogs were a threat not to take lightly for a cyclist and so very small revolvers were marketed as protection against them. Of course, really small handguns have always found their niche with people for protection other than dogs. These were petite and handy little guns, perfect for the pocket and enough to get out of most scrapes. With gangsters, and career criminals running rampant, this example would have been the “pocket advantage” a person needed.

The overall condition is fine. Much of the original finish has been preserved. Bright, strongly rifled bore. Excellent action. The ejection rod is slow to retract, more than likely due to over oiling. Both grips are in very good shape with less than expected handling wear. Markings are sharp. Visible numbers match.

Own the original! This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.

Barrel is 2 inches.

Caliber: .32 S&W

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING. Will need to be sent to your local FFL or C&R licensee. This firearm is classified as a Curio & Relic.
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$1900

#250004
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $1,900.00
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