Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Post Civil War example of a Smith & Wesson .32-caliber rimfire Model 2 Army Revolver, with a 6 inch unshortened barrel. These were very popular as backup weapons for Army officers, used after their percussion revolver's cylinder was spent.

The serial number is 47460, dating from after the civil war, probably in the late 1860s- early 1870s "Indian Wars" era. The Model 2 Army was produced 1861-1874, with a total production of 77,020. With three pins on the top of the frame and a large serial number, some consider this to be a Model 2, type 4. The rosewood grips are original and have a matching serial number on the inside of the right scale, still retaining almost all of their original varnished finish. As an interesting feature, part of the serial number in the wood is double stamped, as a mistake was made during stamping. The revolver still has a lot of the original blued finish present, with case hardening visible in areas, making this a very nice example.

It still has the original Smith & Wesson address marking nicely marked on top of the barrel rib:

The Patent information on the cylinder is also fully intact, a real rarity:

PATENTED APRIL 3. 1855. JULY 5.1859 & DEC 18 1860.

Also, assembly number 338 can be seen on the grip frame under the grips, on the front of the cylinder, and on the back of the barrel assembly. This is a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example, and is definitely one of the better Model 2s that we have had.

The revolver cycles well, with good indexing and a firm cylinder lockup, with no issues to note. It's very rare that we get a revolver of this age that doesn't have issues with cycling. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish, with just a bit of fouling and oxidation.

A great example of a historic gun, one of the earliest successful American cartridge revolvers, ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: c.1868
Caliber: .32cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Single Action 
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

The Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Army (a.k.a. Model No. 2 Old Model Smith & Wesson Revolver), was Smith & Wesson's first .32 caliber revolver, intended to combine the small size and convenience of the Smith & Wesson Model 1 .22 rimfire with a larger caliber. Chambered in the .32 rimfire long caliber, its cylinder held 6 shots. It was manufactured 1861 - 1874, with a total production of 77,020. It was a tip-up revolver design, on which the barrel pivoted upwards, hinged on the forward end of the topstrap. It can be identified by its octagonal barrel, smooth cylinder (lacking fluting) and the flat shape of the grip butt. The revolvers were available in blued or nickel-plated finishes

Revolvers with serial numbers under 35,731 are considered to be civil war guns since they were manufactured before May 1st, 1865. All are 32-caliber rimfire with a six shot non-fluted cylinder. All were manufactured with rosewood grips and blue or nickel-plated finishes. The barrels are marked on top with the manufacturer and patent dates are stamped on the cylinder. Most were made with 6 or 5 inch barrels, with 4 available as a special order.

According to published sources, 77,155 Model 2 Army revolvers were made. To date, the serial numbers on observed specimens have not substantiated this figure, 76,642 being the highest number noted. Unfortunately, the Smith & Wesson factory records for this period are incomplete and do not give a comprehensive picture of production.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.