Had the opportunity to work on this little gem of a old gun. It’s a S&W Ladysmith 1st model in nickel with engraving, and pearl grips. There were 4570 of the 1st model produced between 1902 and 1906 and this one has a 3-digit serial number. It had quite a bit of rust over the nickel when it came into the shop and was missing the ejector rod and associated spring. Hence, cleaning up the rust took off some of the nickel finish, so re-plated it with more nickel and polished it out. Couldn’t acquire the correct ejector rod so made it and modified some standard spring stock to fit. Final clean up and finish yielded a good looking collector’s firearm!
Finished Right side
Finished left side
After cleaning in ultrasonic cleaner
End label on original box
BTW, yes that’s the original box and waxed paper this gem came in. That enhances the collectable aspect a bit more!
Nice restoration, that’s what I love to do and my primary motivation to become a gunsmith. I love bringing these old antique firearms back to life and make them full functional if possible.
Same here. As well as learning more about history. Who knew that the “genteel” ladies that carried muffs to keep their hands warm had holsters in them!
Latest old Smith I had come it for restoring function was a S&W 1896 revolver in nickle plate. Although, that customer didn’t want to restore the plating yet. Just the function.