Smith & Wesson S&W Model 22/32 .22/.32 Bekeart Heavy Frame Target Model & Box – C&R OK

SOLD FOR:$2,510.00
Make: 
Smith & Wesson
Model: .22/.32 Heavy Frame Target Model, aka .22/.32 Hand Ejector and sometimes referred to as the Bekeart Model
Serial Number: 533060
Year of Manufacture: 1935 – 1941
Caliber: .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON, SPRINGFIELD, MASS. U.S.A. / PATENTED DEC. 17, 01, FEB. 6, 06, SEP. 14, 09.” while the left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and the right side of the barrel is marked “22 LONG RIFLE CTG”. The barrel flat is marked with a “B” and “533060”. The yoke and the yoke cut are both marked “46267”. The rear face of the cylinder and the underside of the extractor star are both marked “533060” with the rear face of the cylinder also having a “B” under the extractor star. The front strap of the grip frame is marked “533060” and the grip frame’s right side is marked with a “B”. The right sideplate has the S&W trade mark and the right side of the frame is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.”
Barrel Length: There is a 6” long tapered barrel.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style pinned to a raised boss. The rear sight is flat top, square notch adjustable for windage and elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are the checkered walnut extension style with silver colored S&W medallions at the top. The grips use two grip screws with the top screw in a diamond. The grips show only the lightest of handling marks and what may appear as a chip or dent at the bottom of the left grip screw’s diamond is actually a checkering overrun. The inside of the right grip has “533060” pressed into the wood. These extension type grips cover the back strap and butt of the grip frame, leaving the front strap exposed. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is shallow but sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. Other than some very light handling marks, there is only a faint drag line on the cylinder that just barely penetrates the finish. The hammer and trigger are case colored. The screw heads are sharp, possibly unturned. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The single and double actions function correctly. This is a Round Butt, I Frame, 5 screw revolver with adjustable target sights and recessed chambers. The hammer is finely checkered and the trigger is serrated. We did not fire this handgun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A brown hinged “Patent” or “Display” box is provided. This type of box can be found on page 31 of “The Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson” by Supica and Nahas (3rd Edition) for reference. The box has an end label marked “SMITH & WESSON / .22/.32 – Target / BLUED – 6 INCH”. The bottom of the box has “533060” written in pencil and what appears to be some payment information written with a different pencil. The end of the box with the label has come undone at the corners and many of the sharp edges and corners have lost their finish. The end opposite the label has lost some finish where tape has been applied and then removed. The bottom of the box also has lost some surface from the application and removal of adhesive tape. The interior of the box has survived in much better condition, showing only some tears or abrasions from the rubbing of the hammer and front sight. There is printing on the inside of the lid, in both English and Spanish that serves as the owner’s manual/instructions. Overall, the box is in Very Good condition. A slip of paper with a small tear is provided that warns the new owner in English, Spanish and Portuguese to clean the gun soon after shooting. An additional slip of paper that is light green in color with dark green print guarantees the revolver when used “with suitable factory loaded ammunition” against “imperfections of material or workmanship”. The two papers are in Good Plus to Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This revolver is in beautiful condition, the best of this model that we have ever offered. Then, on top of that, the original box and papers accompany this great revolver. The .22/.32 Heavy Frame Target revolver came to be cataloged and offered by Smith & Wesson after a San Francisco gun dealer named Phillip Bekeart ordered a special production run in this configuration. This particular example has the chambers recessed for rimfire case heads, an improvement offered after 1935. While not perhaps a true “Bekeart” this is a highly collectable .22/.32 Hand Ejector in Excellent condition with original box and papers. It is unlikely you will ever have a chance to bid on a better specimen.

Smith & Wesson S&W Model 22/32 .22/.32 Bekeart Heavy Frame Target Model & Box - C&R OK
Smith & Wesson S&W Model 22/32 .22/.32 Bekeart Heavy Frame Target Model & Box – C&R OK