Civil War Smith & Wesson S&W No. 2 Old Army .32 RF 6″ Revolver Antique
SOLD FOR: $1126
LSB#: 220121BF005
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: No. 2 Old Army Tip-Up Revolver
Serial Number: 5972
Year of Manufacture: 1862 (Smith & Wesson Letter)
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.” but these markings are worn. The bottom of the grip frame is marked “5977”. The left side of the grip frame, rear face of the barrel, and the front face of the cylinder are marked “48”. The interior of the right grip panel is marked “5972” in pencil.
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 ivory on a flared square butt grip frame. There are a few scattered light handling marks. There are a few light scuffs and draglines. There are afew little areas of discoloration. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Silver
Finish Originality: See Assessment.
Bore Condition: The bore is 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 a dark tarnish. There are some scattered areas of finish loss that have taken on oxidation, light scabbing and light erosion. There are some scattered bubbles in the finish. There are some scattered swirl marks and draglines. There are scattered scuffs, little nicks, and minor scratches. The pinheads are unmarred. The screwheads have some light wear. The markings are mostly light and obscured due to age and wear, the rib markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in about Very Good condition as antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lockup has some light 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 a leather flap holster and a Smith & Wesson letter.
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 about 65% of its finish which is retained and the gun is fitted with beautiful ivory grips that it shipped with from the factory. The finish appears to be silver, though the letter states that it is nickel. The markings on the cylinder are too clear for us to definitively call this refinished, no matter the case the gun is stunning. 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!