Need info on these old guns

[Tom K]

Thanks, I think its a .32 cal lemon squeezer from what I have found out. I have been told the value in this condition is between $200-900, I think the low side of that.I would like to find out what year it was, any way of finding that out?

If it's a .32 (it should say so on the left side of the barrel) the S&W is a 1st Model .32 Safety Hammerless, also known as a New Departure or Lemon Squeezer. The serial number range is 1 to 91417 and they were manufactured from 1888-1902. The ammo it takes would be the .32 S&W, NOT the .32 S&W Long, .32 ACP or .32 H&R Magnum.

With the rather poor nickel finish remaining, value would be in the $200 range or maybe less, except I think the mother of pearl grips might have some added value if they're not chipped or cracked. They appear vintage, although are not factory (no S&W medallions).

The Stoeger Luger .22 is a Luger in name only. Stoeger owned the Luger name in the USA and marked their guns as such. Even though it uses a toggle mechanism, there is no internal similarity to a real Luger Parabellum. It's just a lookalike plinker for fun, and they are usually jammamatics.

It looks like it's in very good shape - similar guns have gone for around $300 on Gunbroker. Selling it locally will probably bring less than that, but avoid the hassle of shipping.

 

[1mathom1]

Had one of the Stoegers. Like most have mentioned, they are really good for slowing down the ammo usage. Shoot 3-4...fix a jam....shoot 3-4....fix a jam.

The Smith is cool.

 

[Tulsa]

What the heck, I'll go $125. and even come pick it up.

You are not allowed to post in our classifieds with such a low post count.

Seriously I would hold on to them until you get a real valuation for them and know where to market them.

Gunbroker presently has the 22 for sale from $395 to $650

I have an internet offer of $200 on the Stoeger. Not sure if I mentioned, I do not have the mag.

 

[dlbleak]

Had one of the Stoegers. Like most have mentioned, they are really good for slowing down the ammo usage. Shoot 3-4...fix a jam....shoot 3-4....fix a jam.

The Smith is cool.

yep,i have a buddy that has one. its still cool though.

 

[Tulsa]

The serial number range is 1 to 91417 and they were manufactured from 1888-1902.

So if since the serial number is 83541 it was manufactured between those dates?

 

[Tom K]

So if since the serial number is 83541 it was manufactured between those dates?

That should be the case, according to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson (3rd edition), by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas. If you really wanted to know more you could "letter" the gun, by filling out a form and sending it to Roy Jinks, the S&W historian. The information you'll get is the date the gun was shipped and who to (usually a major distributor), and the original barrel length, finish and grips. However the cost of lettering a gun is $50, so unless it went to someone notable it's probably not worth it.

FYI, here's the site for getting a gun lettered: http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=11101&content=25301&sectionId=10504

 

[Tulsa]

Thanks for all the Info Tom.

If anyone is interested in either of these guns, let me know, I would like to get rid of them, I have some work around the house that needs financed. If I knew anything about guns I would post around the forum so my post count would be high enough to post in classifieds.

 

[Tulsa]

I was looking at the SW and shows what I know, but I see why its called a lemon squeezer, thats pretty cool for an old gun like this.

 

[Tulsa]

Is there anything that can be done to this gun to clean/polish it up without damaging it?

 

[Buzzdraw]

The old nickel finish, whats left of it anyway, is fragile. Do NOT use conventional Hoppe's solvent nor Shooters Choice on it. Both will strip nickel given a little time.

I would advise that you NOT attempt to clean up the S&W, because you'll probably do more harm than good.