Civil War Smith & Wesson S&W No. 2 Old Army .32 RF 6″ Revolver Antique
SOLD FOR: $1026
LSB#: 220118NO014
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: No. 2 Old Army Tip-Up Revolver
Serial Number: 45303
Year of Manufacture: 1865
Caliber: .32 Rimfire Long
Action Type: Single Action 6 Shot Revolver with Tip-Up Barrel
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH. & WESSON. SPRINGFIELD.MASS.”. The circumference of the cylinder is marked “PATENTED APRIL 3, 1855, JULY 5, 1859 & DEC. 18, 1860.”. The bottom of the grip frame is marked “45303”. The left side of the grip frame and rear face of the barrel are marked “LL7”. The interior of the right grip panel is stamped “45303”, the markings are deep and the threes resemble eights but upon close inspection do not connect on the left sides.
Barrel Length: The octagon barrel is 6” in length and has a full-length top rib.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded German silver blade fixed to the top of the barrel’s rib. The rear sight is shallow “V” groove in the rear of the cylinder’s bolt.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth wood on a flared square butt grip frame. There are little areas of finish loss. There are some little nicks and dings. There are some scattered little compressions. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There are some patches of erosion.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 65% of its metal finish. There is finish loss on the edges. There are areas of scabbing and pitting, most noticeable on the backstrap, hammer, and left of the grip frame. There are some scattered spots of oxidation. There are some scuffs and thin light scratches but most of the marks through the finish have aged. There is some finish loss on the barrel at the muzzle that has taken on discoloration. There is a small chip loss on the left corner of the hammer spur. The markings are clear, the screwheads are tool marked with serviceable slots. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition as antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lockup is solid and the cylinder lockup has minimal side to side movement. This revolver was not designed with a half-cock safety position. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This is a Smith & Wesson No.2 ”Old Army” tip-up revolver chambered in .32 Rimfire Long, a blackpowder round. When Smith & Wesson began making revolvers in 1857, they named the first model No. 1 and the second No. 2, with the No.1 chambered in .22 Rimfire and the No. 2 in .32 Rimfire. The No. 1 was a pocket pistol, while the No. 2, brought out in 1861, was a full-sized pistol with a larger square grip. The No. 2 was a popular Civil War sidearm, but was never purchased by the army on either side. George Custer owned two and Wild Bill Hickok was wearing one when he was killed. This revolver has an original blued finish, about 65% of which is retained and the gun is fitted with wood grips. The revolver is in about Very Good condition and is in the Civil War serial number range, a true find for the collectors. The old S&W tip-ups are all very collectible, and we would expect this one to be no different. This ones barrel and cylinder lockup are impressive. These early revolvers are a testament to Smith & Wesson, who is still doing business today after 160 years of providing us with high quality, reliable handguns. Please see our photos a