Smith & Wesson No. 2 Old Army 32 Rimfire Top Break Revolver 6″ Nickel Pearl
SOLD FOR: $1,113.99
LSB#: WY250429EH038
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: No. 2 Old Army
Serial Number: 127286
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1865–1873
Caliber: .32 Rimfire Long
Action Type: Single Action Tip-Up Revolver with 6-Shot Cylinder
Markings:
The top of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS.” in a single line. The serial number “127286” is marked on the butt of the grip frame followed by a factory star (*), indicating the gun was returned to Smith & Wesson for service or refinishing. Matching numbers are present on the underside of the barrel assembly, barrel latch, and rear face of the cylinder.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-round blade integral to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth mother-of-pearl with gold-toned escutcheons. These grips are custom fitted and beautifully executed, with no cracks or chips. They display strong iridescence and rate in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Factory Nickel-Plated with Case Colored Trigger, Blue Trigger Guard and Barrel Latch
Finish Originality: Original, with Factory Return (*)
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with defined rifling and minor scattered erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains approximately 98% of its original nickel finish. The metal is bright and clean, with just faint freckling and minor edge wear near the muzzle and cylinder. The case coloring on the trigger is vivid, and the barrel latch and trigger guard retain deep blue tones. The factory star marking confirms it returned to Smith & Wesson during its lifetime. The screw heads are sharp, and all markings remain legible. The revolver rates in Excellent overall condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. The barrel tips up and locks securely, the cylinder indexes and locks correctly, and the hammer holds at full cock and drops as it should. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Zipper Pouch
Our Assessment: This Smith & Wesson No. 2 Old Army is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a historically important revolver. Favored by Civil War officers and postwar frontiersmen alike, the No. 2 helped establish Smith & Wesson as a dominant force in the cartridge revolver market.
This particular gun is a standout, with its original nickel finish rating at 98%, vibrant case colors, blue accents, and highly attractive mother-of-pearl grips with gold escutcheons. The factory star marking adds provenance and historical intrigue, indicating a return to S&W for service at some point in its lifetime.
Collectors of antique American revolvers, especially those with an eye for condition and embellishment, will find this revolver to be an outstanding addition to any 19th-century arms collection. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
