Smith & Wesson S&W .38 Safety Hammerless 5th Model 6″ Blue DAO Revovler C&R
SOLD FOR: $1251.99
LSB#: 211027RF11
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .38 Safety Hammerless Fifth Model (Lemon Squeezer)
Serial Number: 253910
Year of Manufacture: 1907-1940
Caliber: .38 S&W
Action Type: Top Break, Double Action Only, 5-Shot Revolver
Markings: The top of the rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A.”. The rear face of the cylinder, rear face of the top strap, underside of the barrel latch, front face of the ejector, and the butt of the grip frame are marked with the serial number “253910”. The rear face of the topstrap is also marked “B”. The right side of the frame is marked with the S&W monogram logo and “MADE IN U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “.38 S.&W. CTG” and the right side is marked “SMITH & WESSON’.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade integral to the top of the rib. The rear sight is a U-notch in a rise in the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two-piece grips are checkered walnut with smooth borders and diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. There are some little compressions, draglines, and a few little light scuffs. The wear is most noticeable on the bottom faces. There is a small little chip loss on the left panel at the top corner where the front strap widens into the frame. The checkering is mostly strong. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There are a few little spots of minor erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. There are some scattered little nicks and marks through the finish. There are some little hairline scratches. There are some light hairline scratches. There are a few little scuffs that have thinned the finish, some of the most noticeable are on the barrel. There is some finish loss on some of the edges. There is finish loss at the muzzle. There is a partial turn line through the finish on the cylinder. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with some light side-to-side play. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This is a Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless 5th model, the model was made between 1907 and 1940 with a total of about 41,913 made with serials ranging from 214,001 to roughly 261,493. These hammerless revolvers, also known as “Lemon Squeezers”, were very popular when introduced and continued to be manufactured as the Second and later the Third, Fourth and Fifth models until 1940. They were simple to operate, easy to conceal, and with sleek lines plus no hammer spur were almost effortless to draw. This revolver is in about Fine overall condition with about 93% of its finish remaining. The bore is good, the serial numbers match and the mechanics are in good condition. This revolver will be a welcome addition to a collection as well as a charming revolver to shoot. Please see our photos and good luck!