Synopsis:

Wonderful, high condition, and all matching Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Army revolver with a 5" barrel and tight lockup, this example likely made right after the Civil War. ANTIQUE!

Description:

Standard configuration S&W Model No. 2 Army revolver cal. .32 RF, SN:38706, manufactured 1861-1874 with total production of 77,020 units with a SA trigger and a tip-up barrel mechanism. This example with 5" barrel having a fixed front sight and grooved rear sight. Top of barrel rib marked "SMITH & WESSON, SPRINGFIELD MASS". Cylinder bears patent date markings reading "April 3, 1855; July 5, 1859; and December 18, 1860" with "GG6" on cylinder and repeated on back of barrel and left side of frame under grip. Full serial number "38706" stamped on the butt. Fitted with smooth dark wooden grips secured with a single transverse screw, the right panel having been stamped with the full SN on inner surface. During the American Civil War, owning a revolver as a backup weapon proved essential for soldiers, making Smith & Wesson's cartridge revolvers highly sought after. The Army Model 2, along with the Model 1 in .22 rimfire, came into popular demand with the outbreak of hostilities as soldiers and officers on both sides made private purchases of these revolvers for personal defense, valuing their reliability and the advantage of metallic cartridge ammunition over percussion cap systems.

Condition:

Bright 90-95% original blue with slight thinning of the sides of the barrel and a scattering of small superficial handling marks. Comparable condition fading of the color case hardening over the cylinder plunger housing and hammer. Grips retaining the vast majority of their original varnish. Bright bore, with black powder-related erosions, the rifling easily discernible. Correct manual mechanics, each cylinder locking tightly into place upon full cock. ANTIQUE!