Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Civil War example of a Smith & Wesson .32-caliber rimfire Model 2 Army Revolver, with a 6 inch unshortened barrel. These were very popular as backup weapons for Union officers, used after their percussion revolver's cylinder was spent. This example was chrome or nickel plated at some point, possibly after civil war service, and really looks the business.

The serial number is 18450, dating the year of production to be approximately early 1864, about a half of the 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 rosewood grips are original and have a matching serial number on the inside of the right scale, though the original finish on the outside has worn away. The revolver has a lovely aged dark gray patina overall, with some areas of the original blued finish still present, giving it a great look.

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

The Patent information on the cylinder is also still partly intact, even after being etched and plated:

[PATENTED APRI]L 3. 1855. JULY 5.1859 & DEC 18 1860.

Also, assembly number 4 7 can be seen on the grip frame under the grips and on the back of the barrel assembly. The oxidation on the cylinder from before plating unfortunately removed the assembly number, however we do not doubt that it is the original cylinder.

The revolver cycles well, with good indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior we often see on revolvers of this age, and the trigger has been set to very VERY sensitive. The bore is in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a partly bright finish, with light fouling and oxidation.

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 rare chance to own a historically significant gun in fantastic display condition!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: c.1864
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.