Smith & Wesson Model 1913 Type 8 35 S&W Auto Pistol

These quirky little pistols represent the first attempt by S&W to enter the autoloading pistol market. They didn't do well due to the layout of the controls as well as the proprietary chambering. The Pistols include a switch safety on the backstrap, a secondary safety on the front strap, a heel release for the magazine, and a tab on the slide to override the return spring when operating the slide manually. Pulling down on the trigger guard releases the slide to allow the barrel to tip up for cleaning. In addition the little pistol went through 8 iterations of design in its short life. This one is a Type 8, the last version produced, and was made in 1922/23.