Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army .32 caliber rimfire revolver, serial number 42327, with its full length 6" barrel, six shot nonfluted cylinder, blued finish, and varnished rosewood grips. Based on published serial number information, it was manufactured circa 1865-1866, placing it at the close of the U.S. Civil War or immediately afterward.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army was introduced in 1861 and became a popular compact metallic cartridge revolver during the Civil War period. Its self contained .32 rimfire ammunition and relatively slim proportions made it attractive as a privately purchased sidearm or backup weapon, and the model remained in use well beyond the war into the postwar frontier era.

This example is serial numbered:

42327

on the bottom of the grip frame. The inside of the right grip panel is numbered 40047, indicating that the grips were swapped at some point. Assembly number K 10 is present on the rear of the barrel, left grip frame, and front of the cylinder, though the marking is worn on the latter two components. Overall, this is best described as a mostly matching revolver with replaced grip panels.

The top of the barrel rib retains the Smith & Wesson address:

SMITH. & WESSON. SPRINGFIELD. MASS.

The cylinder also retains the complete patent marking:

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

The revolver is in honest, well used condition with extensive finish loss, scattered past peppering, and areas of light pitting. It now displays an overall gray brown oxidized patina, though small areas of original blue remain, including on the right side of the frame behind the recoil shield. One side of the cylinder shows more extensive old rusting, and the left side of the revolver also shows heavier pitting, suggesting prolonged storage with that side more exposed to moisture.

The rosewood grips remain in notably better cosmetic condition than the metalwork, showing attractive grain and approximately 90% of their original glossy varnish or “piano” finish. Wear is concentrated around the lower edges, and no major cracks, chips, or structural damage are noted.

The action presently cycles well, with a strong mainspring, consistent indexing, and solid cylinder lockup. The revolver opens correctly for loading and cleaning, though the lower frame latch no longer catches completely. The end of the hammer spur has broken away and was subsequently smoothed. The bore is in very good present condition with strong lands and grooves and a partly bright surface, along with evidence of older fouling and oxidation that has since been cleaned. Powder staining on the cylinder and barrel face is consistent with substantial past use.

Published references generally place Model 2 Army production beginning in 1861, with serial numbers through approximately 35731 identified as having been made before May 1, 1865. Serial number 42327 therefore falls into the later production range and is commonly dated to approximately 1865-1866. Surviving factory records for this period are incomplete, so an exact production date cannot be established from the serial number alone. Approximately 77,000 Model 2 Army revolvers are generally reported to have been produced, though observed serial numbers do not perfectly reconcile with that figure.

With its full length 6" barrel, clearly legible serial number 42327, complete barrel address and cylinder patent markings, strong bore, largely intact rosewood grip finish, and honest service worn metal surfaces, this is an appealing Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army revolver from the closing Civil War and immediate postwar period. The replaced grips, old pitting, incomplete lower latch engagement, shortened hammer spur, and other age related wear are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a U.S. Civil War sidearm, Smith & Wesson revolver, early metallic cartridge handgun, or 19th century American firearms collection.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1865-1866
Caliber: .32cal
Maker: Smith & Wesson
Model: 2 "Army"
Serial No: 42327
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.