Civil War S&W No 2 Old Army .32 Rimfire 6” Tip-Up Revolver 1860s Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,675.00
LSB#: WY250410SK009
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model No. 2 Old Army
Serial Number: 16535
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1863–1864; Antique
Caliber: .32 Rimfire Long
Action Type: Single Action Revolver, Tip-Up Barrel, 6-Shot Non-Fluted Cylinder
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS.” ” The cylinder is marked with matching serial number “16535.”with patent dates ending “APR. 3. 55. JULY 5. 59. NOV. 21. 65. The bottom of the grip frame is also marked “16535.” The right grip panel is stamped inside with the matching serial number.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade intagral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a notched leaf pinned to the top of the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth rosewood panels. There are light handling marks and small compressions consistent with age. No cracks or major losses are visible. The fit is proud to the frame and the wood retains good color and grain. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Originally blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with defined rifling. There is some minor scattered erosion and patches of pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 15–20% of its original finish. The balance of the steel shows a uniform gray patina with traces of original blue in protected areas, primarily along the barrel rib. There are areas of pinprick erosion, edge wear, and operational handling marks throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled but remain serviceable. The pins are generally clean and unmarred. The markings remain legible. Overall, this revolver rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up well, the barrel locks securely, and the hammer cocks and releases with appropriate trigger pull. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included with this revolver is a period-style brown leather flap holster and belt. The leather is worn with age and use, showing surface cracking and edge scuffs, but remains intact with functional stitching and belt hardware.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Old Army revolver was a significant advancement in American handgun design during the Civil War era, bringing a reliable, metallic cartridge revolver to market in a period dominated by percussion sidearms. Issued to many Union soldiers as private purchases or gifts from family, the No. 2 Old Army became a favored sidearm for its ease of reloading and compact handling.
Serial number 16535 places this revolver’s production solidly in the early 1860s, aligning with Civil War use and the peak of demand for rimfire revolvers. The 6-inch barrel variant was a popular configuration, offering improved accuracy while still being practical for belt carry. The matching serial numbers and preserved grips speak to this revolver’s integrity and originality, while the included leather holster and belt enhance its value for collectors of early American arms.
This revolver will appeal to enthusiasts of Civil War-era firearms, antique arms collectors, and Smith & Wesson aficionados. With solid mechanical function and well-preserved aesthetics, it is both a display-worthy artifact and a testament to the transition from percussion to cartridge technology in American handgun history. Please see our High Quality photos and good luck on your bids.-C.M.
