CIVIL WAR Antique SMITH & WESSON No. 2 “Old Army” .32 RF WILD BILL HICKOCK
DEAD MAN’S HAND Six-Shot Single Action Revolver
Description:
CIVIL WAR Antique SMITH & WESSON No. 2 “Old Army” .32 RF WILD BILL HICKOCK
DEAD MAN’S HAND Six-Shot Single Action Revolver
Here Ancestry Guns presents an antique Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 “Old Army” Revolver, made circa 1862-63 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.
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 good. Much original finish is preserved sharing space with a brown patina. Excellent action. The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling, and light dimming at the breech. Markings are legible. Solid at the hinge. Both grips are good and contain an average amount of wear. 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.
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$2350
#262014
Antique: Yes
Price:
$2,350.00
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