Presentation Cased Pair of Deluxe Engraved, Silver Plated Smith & Wesson No. 2 "Old Army" Spur Trigger Revolvers with Factory Letter .32RF

Description:
A remarkable collector-grade pair of Smith & Wesson No. 2 “Old Army” revolvers, manufactured circa late 1870 to early 1871, presented with deluxe matching engraving, factory-letter provenance, and a fitted presentation case. With documented shipment history, exhibition-quality embellishment, and strong ties to Smith & Wesson’s early metallic-cartridge era, this cased pair offers exceptional historical and collectible appeal.

• Manufactured circa late 1870 to early 1871
• Deluxe engraved, presentation-cased pair of Smith & Wesson No. 2 revolvers, also known as the “Old Army”
• Historically important model:
  • First introduced in 1861
  • Represented the height of metallic-cartridge revolver technology of its day
  • Built during the era of Rollin White’s bored-through cylinder patent, held by Smith & Wesson
  • The bored-through cylinder design allowed the use of metallic cartridges, a major advancement over percussion revolvers
  • First Smith & Wesson revolver produced in a caliber larger than .22
• Strong Civil War and frontier-era significance:
  • Smith & Wesson’s earlier .22 revolvers and the larger No. 2 “Old Army” remained dominant in the market for years
  • Their market strength was aided by Smith & Wesson and Rollin White actively defending the bored-through cylinder patent against infringement
  • No. 2 revolvers were highly valued during the Civil War and privately purchased in large numbers for use as sidearms
  • Also popular with those moving westward to the frontier, who prized the advantage of a quickly and easily reloadable revolver
• Accompanied by two Smith & Wesson factory letters:
  • One factory letter dated 2006
  • One factory letter dated 2015
  • Both letters confirm the revolvers were part of a shipment to M.W. Robinson Co. in New York
  • M.W. Robinson Co. was Smith & Wesson’s largest distributor at the time
  • Shipment date: 27 January 1871
• Factory-letter details add notable provenance and collector interest:
  • The 2006 letter states the shipment included 51 No. 2 revolvers
  • The 2015 letter states the shipment included 55 No. 2 revolvers
  • Both letters agree the shipment contained a variety of No. 2 configurations, including many with deluxe finishes and engraving
  • The 2006 letter mentions two revolvers with “plated breech”
  • The 2015 letter mentions two revolvers with “two tone finish” and ivory grips
  • These references likely relate to this pair
  • The 2006 letter further notes the shipment was a “house cleaning” of No. 2 inventory
• Beautiful matching deluxe engraving on both revolvers:
  • Exhibition-quality vine-like scroll engraving
  • Engraving style is typical of the masterful work by Young
  • Approximately 75% of the surfaces are engraved
  • Most scrollwork is set against a punchdot, or finely stippled, background for added depth and contrast
• Engraved areas include:
  • Sides of the frames
  • Sides of the barrels at the breech
  • Sides of the muzzles
  • Cylinders
  • Back straps
  • Butts
• Standard markings and identifying details:
  • Both revolvers have the standard Smith & Wesson address on top of the barrel rib
  • Both have patent dates in a band partially around the cylinder
  • Each revolver has its matching serial number marked on the butt and inside the right grip panel
• “A” revolver assembly markings:
  • Assembly number “.6” on the left side of the grip frame
  • Matching “.6” on the front face of the cylinder
  • Matching “.6” on the rear face of the barrel lug
• “B” revolver assembly markings:
  • Assembly number “J1” on the left side of the grip frame
  • Matching “J1” on the front face of the cylinder
  • Matching “J1” on the rear face of the barrel lug
• Sighting equipment:
  • German silver blade front sight on each revolver
  • Notch rear sight positioned on top of the cylinder stop
• Grips:
  • Each revolver is fitted with smooth rosewood grips
• Included presentation case and accessories:
  • Hardwood case fitted for both revolvers
  • Blank brass presentation plaque inlaid in the lid
  • Light blue velvet-lined interior
  • Multiple additional small compartments
  • Includes key
  • Includes cleaning rod
  • Includes small glass oil bottle
• Collector appeal:
  • Documented factory shipment to a major 19th-century Smith & Wesson distributor
  • Rare and desirable cased pair configuration
  • Matching deluxe engraving on both revolvers
  • Strong association with Smith & Wesson’s early metallic-cartridge innovation
  • Significant Civil War and frontier-era model history
  • Presentation-style casing and accessories enhance display value and long-term desirability for advanced collectors

Condition

Very fine, retains 50% plus of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a grey patina. 75% plus of the original silver finish remains, having thinned in a few areas to show the brass beneath. The engraving remains crisp throughout. The grips are excellent with only the slightest handling marks and almost all the original varnish. Mechanically excellent. The case is excellent with a few scattered light handling/storage marks on the exterior and some mild wear on the interior.

Handgun Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 2 Army
Serial Number: 75381
Barrel Length: 5 inch solid rib
Condition: The bore is lightly frosted with some light spotting/pitting and crisp rifling.

Price: $45,000.00