CIVIL WAR Antique SMITH & WESSON No. 2 “Old Army” .32 RF WILD BILL HICKOCK DEAD MAN’S HAND Revolver w/EARLY TWO PIN BACKSTRAP

Description:
CIVIL WAR Antique SMITH & WESSON No. 2 “Old Army” .32 RF WILD BILL HICKOCK
DEAD MAN’S HAND Revolver w/EARLY TWO PIN BACKSTRAP
Here Ancestry Guns presents an antique Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 “Old Army” Revolver, made circa 1861-62 in Springfield, Massachusetts. 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.
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.
The overall condition is very fine. Original nickel finish. Excellent action. The bore is mostly bright, with a bit of a frosted appearance with serviceable rifling. Both grips are fine with light handling wear. Markings are legible. Matching assembly marks on the barrel and grip strap. One of the first Smith & Wesson revolvers ever made, and just in time for the American Civil War!
Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.
Barrel is 5 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.
$3250
#259323
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $3,250.00
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