Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a Smith & Wesson .32-caliber rimfire Model 2 Army Revolver, made during the height of the U.S. Civil War. It features a full-length 5 inch un-shortened barrel, and was made with a blued finish and varnished rosewood grips. These were very popular as backup weapons for Union officers, used after their percussion revolver's cylinder was spent.

The serial number is 25293, dating the year of production to be approximately late 1864, about a 80% of the way through wartime production. We had a previous revolver, serial number 27627, which shipped from the S&W warehouse October 1864, so we are fairly certain with this assessment. With three pins on the top of the frame and a large serial number, some consider this to be a Model 2, type 4. Production had started in 1861, and examples with serial number 35731 and lower were produced before May 1st, 1865, putting this about half way through wartime production. 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 revolver is in lovely light used condition, still retaining much of the original blued finish, with no signs of major damage or alterations. The serial number 25293 of this example is still crisp on the bottom of the grip, and is also on the inside of the right grip scale. There is also assembly number 33 1 on the grip frame and rear of the barrel. The front of the cylinder however is marked with 3 6, probably swapped out long ago during service.

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 fully intact, a real rarity:

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

The revolver cycles well, with a strong mainspring, accurate indexing, and a solid cylinder lockup. The only issue we noted is that the hammer needs to be pulled back hard to get the sear to set. The bore is in very good condition. showing strong lands and grooves with a partly finish. There is a bit of wear, and some trace of past fouling, but this is really a great bore for an early black powder cartridge revolver. The front of the cylinder does show powder burn, so the revolver definitely did see some level of use.

The cosmetic condition is lovely, with the original bluing worn to a lovely gray and plum patina, with some areas of the original finish still present. The cylinder has lost more of the finish, which seems to happen due to the heat generated from firing. The rosewood grips are really nice, with almost all of their original factory "piano varnish" applied, though the right scale cracked through at some point, and was glued back together.

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.

This is a nice chance to own a historically significant gun in lovely lightly used condition! Made during the height of the Civil War, this revolver is ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1864
Caliber: .32cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Single Action 
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

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.