Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic pair of Indian Wars Era Smith & Wesson .32-caliber rimfire Model 2 Army Revolvers, with a 6 inch un-shortened barrels. These were very popular as backup weapons for Army officers, used after their percussion revolver's cylinder was spent. Both have been refinished post manufacture, and unlike the usual nickel plating, these definitely look to have been fully plated in silver, which definitely "pops" more than nickel, though it definitely is not as durable of a finish. They still have their original rosewood grips, and are both "ALL MATCHING" examples.
The pair comes in a fantastic golden plush velvet lined custom wooden case, which measures 11 3/4"W x 61/2"D x 3 13/16"H and has high quality finger joint corner joinery. The inside is perfectly inlet for the two revolvers, and has slots for 6 cartridges near each each revolver in the corner. It has brass nickel hingers on the back, and is closed by a brass hook catch on the front.
The serial numbers on the pair are a very close 68190 & 68412, dating from after the civil war, probably in the early 1870s "Indian Wars" era. The Model 2 Army was produced 1861-1874, with a total production of 77,020. With three pins on the top of the frame and a large serial number, some consider these to be a Model 2, type 4.
Both still have the original Smith & Wesson address markings nicely marked on top of the barrel ribs:
The Patent information on the cylinders is also mostly intact in spite of the refinishing , a real rarity:
PATENTED APRIL 3. 1855. JULY 5.1859 & DEC 18 1860.
It should be noted that the markings on 68190 are definitely a bit more crisp than those on 68412. Revolver 68190 is marked with assembly number X 4 on the grip frame under the grips, on the front of the cylinder, and on the back of the barrel assembly. Revolver 68412 is marked with assembly number K 2 on the grip frame under the grips, on the front of the cylinder, and on the back of the barrel assembly. That means that BOTH are "ALL MATCHING" examples, and they really are a fantastic set!
The rosewood grips on both revolvers are original and have matching serial numbers on the inside of the right grip scales, and all still retain most of their original varnished finish. Both show some chipping and cracking on the bottom, which is very common. Both revolvers were refinished in silver plate, which is still very well retained on both, with only a few small areas of missing plating. Both show a lovely lightly tarnished patina, with the usual discoloration only possible on silver.
Both revolvers cycle beautifully, with accurate indexing and a firm cylinder lockup, with no issues to note. It's very rare that we get a revolver of this age that doesn't have issues with cycling. The bores are in very good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a partly bright finish, with some minor fouling and oxidation near the chambers. Really a fantastic set of pistols!
A fantastic cased silver plated pair of one of the earliest successful American cartridge revolvers, ready to research and display! This is a set the likes of which we are very unlikely to see again anytime in the future!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: c.1872
Caliber: .32cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 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.
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- This product is not available for international shipping.
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.
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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.
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