Smith & Wesson's .32 Safety Hammerless, Second Model, is the pocket revolver nicknamed the Bicycle Gun. This one, serial 139943, dates to about 1902 to 1909 and has a 3-inch round barrel in .32 S&W. About 60 percent of the original nickel remains, with flaking mostly on the barrel and cylinder. The bore is dark with oxidation in the grooves. The grips are near excellent. The action indexes correctly and locks up tight. It is a consignment piece.

This is a collector's revolver, not a modern defensive handgun; the dark bore and old chambering mean most North Carolina buyers will want it for a Smith & Wesson collection or display. It still transfers as a handgun: photo ID, Form 4473 and a NICS check at a licensed dealer, or a valid North Carolina concealed handgun permit in place of the check. Private sales between residents need no state permit, and North Carolina keeps no firearm registry, so collectors trade these freely.

Key features

• .32 S&W, 3-inch round barrel
• Second Model, circa 1902-1909, serial 139943
• About 60 percent original nickel, flaking
• Dark bore, grips near excellent
• Indexes correctly, tight lockup; consignment

Handguns ship to a licensed North Carolina dealer; the buyer must be 21 and clear the NICS check.