Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless Second Model, Top-Break DAO, 4" Nickel, .32 S&W
This Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless Second Model is a top-break, double-action-only revolver from the c. 1902–1909 era. It features a factory nickel finish, a 4-inch steel barrel with a raised rib, and fixed sights. Built on S&W’s 1½-size frame and also known as the New Departure or Lemon Squeezer, it incorporates an internal hammer and a grip safety. The T-shaped, checkered barrel latch and the automatic star ejector are hallmark Second Model features, and matching assembly digits are observed on the latch component.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: The action cycles properly, and the ejector operates as expected. There are many spots of pitting and scratches on the exterior. The cylinder face and chambers show blemishing. The grip safety engages and releases properly. The bore has multiple blemishes and scratches.
What’s Included
- Black leather belt holster with snap-retention strap
The Second Model designation is confirmed by the T-shaped, lift-up barrel latch and other period-correct traits. This top-break design uses an automatic star ejector that clears all five chambers simultaneously when the action is opened, a defining convenience of the Safety Hammerless series.
The revolver retains its internal hammer and grip safety, delivering the double-action-only operation the line is known for. The checkered, black hard-rubber grips with S&W monogram medallions are consistent with the model and era.
The 4-inch steel barrel has a raised rib marked with the S&W address and patent dates, paired with fixed sights consisting of a half-moon front and a rear notch integrated into the barrel latch.
Construction is all steel with a nickel finish on the frame, cylinder, and receiver components, and a five-shot fluted cylinder chambered in .32 S&W. Built in the USA during the early 20th century, this example also shows matching assembly digits on the latch component.