{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-smith-wesson-model-2-army-32cal-revolver-with-6-barrel-matching-serial-16903","title":"Original U.S. Civil War Smith \u0026 Wesson Model 2 Army .32cal Revolver with 6\" Barrel - Matching Serial 16903","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a Smith \u0026amp; Wesson .32-caliber rimfire Model 2 Army Revolver, made during the height of the U.S. Civil War. It features a full-length 6 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe serial number is \u003cstrong\u003e16903\u003c\/strong\u003e, dating production to 1863-1864, solidly within the Civil War, so it most likely saw service during the conflict. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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 \u003cstrong\u003e16903\u003c\/strong\u003e 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 \u003cstrong\u003eA 1\u003c\/strong\u003e on the grip frame, barrel, and front of the cylinder. That makes this a very desirable \u003cstrong\u003e\"ALL MATCHING\"\u003c\/strong\u003e example, with no major parts swapped out over the years!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt still has the original Smith \u0026amp; Wesson address marking nicely marked on top of the barrel rib:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSMITH \u0026amp; WESSON SPRINGFIELD. MASS\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Patent information on the cylinder is also fully intact, a real rarity:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePATENTED APRIL 3. 1855. JULY 5.1859 \u0026amp; DEC 18 1860.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe revolver cycles perfectly, 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. The bore is in very good condition. showing strong lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There are areas of past fouling and oxidation, particularly closer to the chamber, and the powder burn on the cylinder and barrel face show that the revolver definitely did see a good amount of service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cosmetic condition is lovely, with lots of the original bluing present on the frame, and a good amount on the barrel, especially under the top rib. The cylinder has lost most 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, and only a small chunk missing from the rear left scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRevolvers 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording 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 \u0026amp; Wesson factory records for this period are incomplete and do not give a comprehensive picture of production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1863-1864\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .32cal\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarrel Length: 6 inches\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 11 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Single Action \u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 6 Shot Revolver\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40692322762821,"sku":"ONSV23CWC6","price":1195.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV23CWC6__01.jpg?v=1697833481","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-smith-wesson-model-2-army-32cal-revolver-with-6-barrel-matching-serial-16903","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}