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EARLY 3-DIGIT SMITH & WESSON No. 2 OLD ARMY .32 Revolver CIVIL WAR Antique SN 880; TWO PIN TOP STRAP
Guns International #: 102620125 Seller's Inventory #: 227985
Category: Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique - Civil War Revolvers
Seller's Information
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Seller: AncestryGunsLLC
Company: Ancestry Guns LLC
Member Since: 11/3/16
State: Missouri
Zip: 65203
Country: United States
Phone: (314) 707-7373
International Phone: 314-707-7373
Platinum Seller
Number of Active Listings: 1474
Total Number of Listings: 30038
Seller: FFL Dealer
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Credit Card, Certified Check, Money Order
Description:
EARLY 3-DIGIT SMITH & WESSON No. 2 OLD ARMY .32 Revolver CIVIL WAR Antique
SN 880; TWO PIN TOP STRAP
Here we present an antique Two Pin Top Strap Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Old Army Revolver, made circa 1861 in Springfield, Massachusetts. This example has a low three digit serial number “880”, making it very early in the production run. Smith & Wesson purchased the rights to the Rollin White patent for the bored through cylinder, which would forever change the development of revolving firearms. Beginning in 1857 they produced the Number 1, a 7-shot .22 rimfire pocket pistol, which was quite successful. This was fine for the commercial market, but S&W knew they could scale up their design for a pistol that could be worn on the belt in a holster. They began shipping their Number 2 “Army” Revolver, a 6-shot .32 caliber, just 2 months after the beginning of the American Civil War. Smith & Wesson continued to leverage their patent well beyond the war and they remained very popular with the public and on the frontiers. There was a total of 77,200 of these revolvers made during their production run from 1861 through 1874.
The difference between the early Smith & Wesson “Old Army” No. 2 Model, serial range 1 to about 3000, and later revolvers, is the addition of third pin to the top strap to limit the travel upwards of the cylinder stop. This example does has the “two pin” top strap.
Though it never received any large federal contracts, it was adopted at the state, unit and individual levels. Per Charles Pate, Kentucky ordered 731 Number 2 “Armies” from Kittredge & Co. late in 1862, and even more in 1863. He says that “Most, if not all, of the revolvers used to fill the Kentucky order were almost certainly under 10,000 in serial number.” He also lists individuals and units that used these revolvers, per records and personal correspondence. The 7th Kentucky Cavalry appears to be the only unit officially issued this handgun during the war. Among the most famous of users was future U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, who began his part in the war as Lieutenant Colonel and ended it with Brevet Brigadier General. Ulysses S. Grant wrote about him “his conduct on the field was marked by conspicuous gallantry as well as the display of qualities of a higher order than that of mere personal daring." Another name and legend from the Civil War who used the Number 2 was General George Armstrong Custer, who owned a pair of them. “Wild Bill” Hickok wore this gun the night he was assassinated while playing cards, his last hand now called the “Dead Man’s Hand” of Black Aces and 8s.
The overall condition is good. Original patina. The bore is in good shape for its age with nice rifling. Strong action. The hammer spur has been shortened slightly. Great rosewood grips. Numbers match.
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 6 inches.
Caliber: .32 Long Rimfire
Overall condition as seen in photos.
Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!
Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.
ancestryguns
$2400
#227985
Price: $2,400.00
Antique: Yes