Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless 4th Model Lemon-Squeezer, 4" Top-Break, .38 S&W, Matching Numbers
Made between 1898 and 1907, this 4th Model “Lemon-Squeezer” represents one of the last iterations of Smith & Wesson’s famed top-break revolvers. It features a double-action-only mechanism, internal hammer, and the instantly recognizable back-strap grip safety that earned these guns the “lemon-squeezer” nickname. Matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, and barrel latch confirm its factory integrity, while period-correct mother-of-pearl grips with gold S&W medallions add a desirable collector upgrade.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – Extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean with light residue, slight corrosion, and worn rifling showing some loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: Moderate scratching, scuffing, pitting, and blemishing are visible on the metal surfaces.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless 4th Model revolver with 4" barrel and mother-of-pearl grips (matching serial 144659)
Introduced as the penultimate version of S&W’s top-break line, the 4th Model incorporated an inertia firing pin and refined grip safety for safer pocket carry—innovations that set it apart from earlier variants. The double-action-only system allows fast repeat shots without ever cocking an external hammer, a practical choice for late-19th-century personal defense.
The 4" ribbed barrel carries clear roll-marked patent dates spanning 1880 to 1890, underscoring its transitional place in S&W engineering history. A lift-up T-bar latch with knurled side knobs secures the hinged frame; pressing it downward opens the action and activates the star extractor for rapid simultaneous case ejection.
Factory blued carbon-steel construction, fixed sights, and a five-shot fluted cylinder reflect S&W’s durable design philosophy before the company moved to swing-out cylinders. Because its serial falls after the antique cutoff yet remains over 50 years old, this revolver qualifies as a Curio & Relic—an important consideration for transfer and documentation.
Mother-of-pearl grips with inlaid gold S&W medallions were an optional factory upgrade that adds both aesthetic appeal and collector value. Combined with the matching-numbered components, they help preserve the revolver’s period authenticity.