Civil War Smith & Wesson S&W No. 2 Old Army .32 RF 6″ Revolver Antique
SOLD FOR: $1025
LSB#: 220207ER002
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: No. 2 Old Army Tip-Up Revolver
Serial Number: 27869
Year of Manufacture: 1861-1864
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 “27869”. The left side of the grip frame and rear face of the barrel “81”. The interior of the right grip panel is stamped “47339”.
Barrel Length: The octagonal 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. The grips have some rotational movement. There are some scattered nicks, compressions, scuffs, and areas of thinning. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Now Patina
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray and the rifling is strong where not interrupted by erosion. There is erosion and pits scattered throughout the bore.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish has drifted to a patina. There are some dings into the metal, the deepest are on the sideplate and bottom of the barrel at the muzzle. There are some scattered areas of pitting and erosion. There are scattered areas of surface oxidation. There is finish loss on the edges. There is finish loss around the hinges. There are some tool marks around the hinges. The markings are clear. The screwheads have tool marks. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition as antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lockup has some wobble and the cylinder lockup shows some light play. 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: Included is fitted case with a fabric lining and rounds of .32 Rimfire.
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 finish, about 65% of which is retained and the gun is fitted with nice 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. 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 and good luck!