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Smith & Wesson Ladysmith 3rd Model .22 Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,200.00 USD
Smith & Wesson Ladysmith 3rd Model .22 Revolver
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Available for your consideration is a extremely early and very high condition Smith and Wesson Third Model Ladysmith .22 Rim Fire Revolver. This is the final perfected variation of the very rare and limited production “Ladysmith” line of tiny 7-shot revolvers painstakingly produced and hand fitted by S&W beginning in 1902 and ending in 1921. Only approx. 12,200 of these miniscule Third Model Revolvers were manufactured beginning in 1910 at serial number 13951. This example is one of the very first made and bears matching serial number 14090 on the butt, frame, cylinder and barrel. The Ladysmith Revolvers have always been very popular with collectors in part because of their diminutive size as well as the fact that they were designed by Daniel B. Wesson for use by women for self defense. They were chambered for the mild .22 Long cartridge (NOT the more powerful .22 Long Rifle cartridge). Because of this, most surviving Ladysmith revolvers at one time or another have had the more powerful .22 Long Rifle cartridges fired in them and now show cracking, splitting or complete blowing away of the delicate rear portion of the barrel that protrudes through the frame just ahead of the cylinder called the “forcing cone.” The forcing cone on this example is intact and excellent. This low serial number, probably first month production example, is in the most desirable blue finish. With the exception of minute edge wear, nearly all of the factory original bright blue remains. The trigger sides and hammer display fine original case color and the fancier than standard grain walnut grips with deep brass S&W medallions are basically perfect! This double action revolver can be fired by simply pulling the trigger which cocks and fires the weapon, or by first pulling back the hammer to cock the revolver before pulling the trigger. The tiny seven shot cylinder is released by pulling forward on the knurled end of the barrel lug ahead of the extractor rod located under the 3 ½” barrel. This unlocks the cylinder so that it can be swung to the side for loading and unloading. The Ladysmith revolvers are so small that their actions and internal parts had to be fitted by hand with their mechanisms often being compared to fine Swiss mechanical watches of the period! Because of this, most surviving Ladysmiths have actions that at best are out of synch or at worst not functioning altogether. The action on this example works perfectly with all parts locking up tightly. All original rounded head screws are perfect, retain bright blue finish and show no signs of being turned. The side of the barrel is correctly marked “.22 S&W CTG” with the also correct two line top stamping “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS U.S.A.” over patent date markings ending in 1909. Sharp S&W logo stamping on frame. Ladysmith revolvers in any kind of condition are rarely offered. This S&W Third Model Ladysmith is one of the best examples extant and would be the centerpiece of any S&W or .22 Caliber firearm collection. It is easily museum quality. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic Handgun, and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Serial Number: 14090