Guns International #: 103339187
Seller's Inventory #: 250497

Category - Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique - Civil War Revolvers

Category
Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique
Civil War Revolvers

CIVIL WAR Antique SMITH & WESSON No. 2 “Old Army” .32 RF WILD BILL HICKOCK Aces and Eights “DEAD MAN’S HAND” Revolver

Description:
CIVIL WAR Antique SMITH & WESSON No. 2 “Old Army” .32 RF WILD BILL HICKOCK

Aces and Eights “DEAD MAN’S HAND” Revolver

Here we present an antique Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 “Old Army” Revolver, made 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. There was a total of 77,200 of these revolvers made during their production run from 1861 through 1874.

Although it never secured major federal contracts, the Number 2 revolver was widely adopted at state, unit, and individual levels. Kentucky ordered 731 from Kittredge & Co. in late 1862, with larger orders in 1863, and most used revolvers likely had serial numbers under 10,000. The 7th Kentucky Cavalry was the only unit officially issued them. Notable users included President Rutherford B. Hayes, praised by Grant for his gallantry, and General Custer, who owned a pair. “Wild Bill” Hickok also carried one.

The overall condition is good. This example has been refinished. Strong action. The bore is in good shape with serviceable rifling and maintains a frosted appearance. Solid grips. Markings are legible. The butt is slotted for a stock. There is some wiggle at the hinge. 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 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

$1600

#250497
 

Antique: Yes

Price: $1,600.00
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