Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely honest used 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 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.

The serial number is a very low 4638, dating production to approximately early 1862, within the first 15% of production. This places it solidly within the Civil War, so it almost certainly saw service during the conflict. Production had started in 1861, and examples with serial number 35731 and lower were produced before May 1st, 1865. With three pins on the top of the frame and a small serial number, some consider this to be a Model 2, type 3.

The revolver is in lovely honest used condition, with the original finish faded to a mottled gray patina overall, with no signs of major damage or alterations. The serial number 4638 of this example is still legible on the bottom of the grip, and is also crisp on the inside of the right grip scale. There is also assembly number · · 5 on the grip frame, barrel, and front of the cylinder. 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 almost 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. All we noticed is that if the hammer is pulled back very quickly, it can sometimes overshoot slightly. The bore is in very good condition, showing strong lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is some overall past fouling and oxidation, now removed, and 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 very nice, showing a lovely patina of age overall, with no signs of past pitting or major oxidation. The cylinder and barrel show the most wear to the finish, which seems to happen due to the heat generated from firing. The rosewood grips are really nice, with much of their original factory "piano varnish" still present, though there is wear at the bottom, including some small chips on the front toe.

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 honest used condition! Made during the height of the Civil War, this revolver is ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1862
Caliber: .32cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 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.

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.