Smith & Wesson S&W M Frame .22 Long 3.5 Inch Ladysmith Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $855.00
WOA#: WY240512TT004
Make: Smith and Wesson
Model: Ladysmith
Serial Number: 3735
Year of Manufacture: 1902-1906
Caliber: .22 Long ( Should not be fired with modern ammunition)
Action Type: Single Action/ Double Action Revolver with a 7 Shot Swing-Out Cylinder,
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Smith & Wesson Springfeild Mass. USA/ PAT’D 9.OCT.26.1896.AUG.14.1900.OCT.9.1901”. The left side of the barrel is marked “Smith & Wesson”. The left side of the frame is marked with the Smith and Wesson “SW” Monogram. The round butt of the grip frame is marked “3735”. The flat under the barrel is marked “3735B”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “3735”.Behind the ejector the cylinder flat is marked “B”.The rear face of the hand ejector is marked “3735B”. The crane cut is marked “2989”. The inside of the crane is marked “B/ 2989”
Barrel Length: 3 & 7/16 inches, Pinned
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a thin blade machined to a rise in the barrel. The rear sight is a. “V” notch sight cut into the rear of top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are “Diamond pattern” checkered hard rubber grips.There no cracks or chips to be observed on the outside of the grips. When we remove the grip panels from the round but frame we can observe hairline cracks centered around the grommet and also the numbers “4487” on the right grip panel. The grips rate in fine plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Hardened hammer and trigger
Finish Originality: ReBlued
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is strong. There is little erosion in the bore. There is fouling throughout the barrel. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 7/10 for antique.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The original finish was left on the internals including the ejector rod. The ejector rod shows the original blue and some wear.There is a speck of blue missing from the blade sight on the end of the barrel. The front sight is bent slightly. The markings are clear. The “SW” Monogram is light. Overall, this pistol rates in about fine condition as an antique.
Mechanics: The action does not work correctly. There is some stubbornness in the reset for the trigger after being fired; The cylinder does lock-up. I do not recommend shooting this gun with modern ammunition. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The smallest Hand Ejectors ever made by S&W, these tiny guns are loved by collectors. Ladysmith is the only gun made on the smallest hand ejector frame, designated the M Frame. The seven shot 22L should not be fired with modern ammunition.
An old story that has circulated for many decades concerns the discontinuance of the model. It seems that Mr. Wessonwas shocked to learn that this model was the gun of choice for “ladies of the evening”. Being of a stern Yankee puritanical bent, he ordered the production ended. True story?
Probably not, since he died in 1906 and the gun continued in production until 1921 and most likely was ended by his son. But it’s good enough that if it isn’t true it should be.
Caliber-22 Long, D/A revolver built on the round butt M frame, 3.5 inch barrel length, checkered hard rubber grips. A frame mounted “pull style” cylinder release button is found on the left side; Blued and reblued with a pinned barrel, 7-shot fluted cylinder, with a nominal length of .975” round blade front sight (slightly bent), with a notch cut rear sight in the top strap. Weight is 9.5oz.
Serial range for the 1st Models is 1-4575; manufactured circa 1902-1906. This tiny frame revolver remains a coveted piece for collectors and enthusiasts, embodying a significant chapter in the evolution of American revolvers. Please see our photos and good luck and enjoy the auction.-K.F.
