Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of a Smith & Wesson .32-caliber rimfire Model 2 Army Revolver, made just after the end of the U.S. Civil War. It features a 6 inch unshortened barrel, and has a lovely service worn patina of age. These were very popular as backup weapons for Union officers, used after their percussion revolver's cylinder was spent.

The serial number is 38810, dating the year of production to be approximately late 1865 - early 1866, just after the war ended. Examples with serial number 35731 and lower were produced before May 1st, 1865, so this was most likely made some months later. 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, still both bearing the original finish on the exterior, though the rear of the right grip cracked off long ago, and then was smoothed a bit. 

The revolver is in lovely condition, still showing much of the original bluing on the frame and cylinder, while the barrel shows more wear. It also had the barrel period shortened to 3 ⅛ inches from the original 6, either due to barrel damage or to make the revolver more "pocket friendly". The serial number 38810 of this example is still legible on the bottom of the grip, and is also on the inside of the right grip scale, though part was overstamped at the factory due to an error. There is also assembly number 1 1 7 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 marked on top of the barrel rib, though most is missing due to the barrel being shortened:

[SMITH & WESSON SPRI]NGFIELD. MASS

The Patent information on the cylinder is still present with a bit of wear, but is still easily legible, even without a magnifier:

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 and a bright finish. It shows just a bit of past wear and fouling, now cleaned away, and really looks great for a black powder revolver.

Cosmetically, the revolver has a great used look, but definitely looks to have been well cared for, except for when the right grip scale was damaged. Definitely a lovely example with some interesting history.

This is a nice chance to own a historically significant gun in very good condition, with a period shortened barrel. Made just after the Civil War, this revolver is ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: late 1865 - early 1866
Caliber: .32cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 ⅛ inches
Overall Length: 8 ⅛ 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.