Smith & Wesson .38 Safety Hammerless 5th Model RARE 2″ Nickel Bicycle Gun

A factory letter accompanies this outstanding and highly desirable .38 Safety Hammerless 5th Model AKA Bicycle Gun’ detailing its original shipment on December 20, 1937 to Kermit Ratliffe in Helier, Kentucky. The gun is equipped with the matching 2” barrel, original nickel finish and factory silver medallion mother of pearl grips. Kermit Ratliffe was born in 1912 and worked as a coal miner primarily at the Henry Clay Mine throughout his life. Courtesy of the University of Kentucky Library, there is a 1987 dated oral history audio interview with Mr. Ratliffe that covers his very interesting life, early Labor Union activities and deadly work in the coal mines. A really interesting gentleman!

This extremely scarce .38 Squeezer remains in excellent overall condition retaining virtually 99% of the original nickel finish showing a tiny bit of scattered handling wear and a touch of wear at the muzzle ends. The period correct factory mother of pearl grips are fabulous! The bore and cylinder chambers are mint and the mechanical working order is flawless. Overall a special .38 Safety Hammerless that will have a valued place in any collection!