Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .22/32 Hand Ejector “Bekeart Model”

Serial Number: 488230

Year of Manufacture: ca. 1923-1935

Caliber: .22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Action / Double Action Revolver with 6 Round Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 6” Tapered

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a later style Patridge blade sight pinned to a base on the barrel. The rear sight is a flat-topped square notched leaf sight adjustable for windage and elevation that is screwed to the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are the classic oversized Bekeart style checkered walnut stocks without S&W medallions at their tops, but with “smooth diamonds” around the grip screw escutcheons. The stocks are marked in pencil with a serial number matching that of the revolver. There are two or three scattered light marks on the butts. The checkering is mostly sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Fine Plus Condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is some finish loss on the sides of the barrel at the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp. The grip screw is lightly worn with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent Condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has very little play on all 6 chambers. The double-action trigger is smooth, and the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: San Francisco Smith & Wesson dealer Philip Bekeart is credited with originating the concept of a .22 caliber revolver on a .32 hand ejector frame in the early 1900s. After fulfilling Bekeart’s original order of about 300, Smith & Wesson decided to add the model into their production line, and the .22/32 Hand Ejector, better known as the “Bekeart Model”, was made from 1911-1941.

This Smith & Wesson Pre-War .22/32 Hand Ejector “Bekeart Model” Revolver was made between 1923-1935 and is in Excellent Condition. It features a 6” barrel, 98% of its lustrous, original blued finish, with some vibrant case coloring on the checkered hammer and smooth trigger, classic oversized, serial-matching Bekeart style checkered walnut grips with “smooth diamonds” around the grip screw escutcheons, a Patridge blade front sight and an adjustable rear target sight, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion. With its high condition, this would be an ideal addition to a fine Smith & Wesson collection.