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 un-shortened barrel. These were very popular as backup weapons for Army officers, used after their percussion revolver's cylinder was spent. Originally made with a blued finish and varnished rosewood grips, it now shows a lovely patina of age.

The serial number is 55126, 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 some of their original varnished finish. 

The revolver is in lovely "frontier used" condition, showing an overall oxidized patina, with no signs of major damage or alterations. The serial number 55126 of this example is still legible on the bottom of the grip, and is also on the inside of the right grip scale. There is also assembly number B 3  on the grip frame, rear of the barrel, and front of the cylinder (very faint). That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no major parts swapped out over the years!

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

SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD. MASS

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

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

The revolver cycles very well, with a strong mainspring, accurate indexing, and a solid cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior we usually see on revolvers of this age, just a bit of slop in the mechanics. The bore is in very good condition. showing strong lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. It shows overall light fouling and wear, but no major oxidation. The powder burn on the cylinder and barrel face show that the revolver definitely did see a good amount of service.

The cosmetic condition is lovely, with a great oxidized patina only achieved through years of being carried on the frontier. The original finish is mostly gone, and there is just a bit of peppering in areas, but no signs of major cleaning or restoration. The rosewood grips are really nice, still showing some of their original factory "piano varnish" applied, and only moderate wear around the bottom bevel.

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

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: Circa 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.