Original U.S. Civil War Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army .32cal Revolver with 6" Barrel - Matching Serial 22648

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely honest used example of a Smith & Wesson .32-caliber rimfire Model 2 Army Revolver, made during the height of the U.S. Civil War. It features a full-length 6 inch un-shortened barrel, and was made with a blued finish and varnished rosewood grips. These were very popular as backup weapons for Union officers, used after their percussion revolver's cylinder was spent.

The serial number is 22648, dating production to 1863-1864, solidly within the Civil War, so it most likely saw service during the conflict. Production had started in 1861, and examples with serial number 35731 and lower were produced before May 1st, 1865, putting this about two thirds of the way through wartime production, probably made in late 1863 or early 1864. With three pins on the top of the frame and a large serial number, some consider this to be a Model 2, type 4.

The revolver is in lovely honest used condition, still retaining some of the original blued finish on both sides of the frame, with no signs of major damage or alterations. The serial number 22648 of this example is still clear on the bottom of the grip, and is also on the inside of the right grip scale. There is also assembly number 56O on the grip frame, barrel, and front of the cylinder. That makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no major parts swapped out over the years!

It still has the original Smith & Wesson address marking nicely marked on top of the barrel rib:

SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD. MASS

The Patent information roll stamp on the cylinder is also fully intact, a real rarity:

PATENTED APRIL 3. 1855. JULY 5.1859 & DEC 18 1860.

The revolver cycles beautifully, with a strong mainspring, accurate indexing, and a solid cylinder lockup. It is crisp and does not exhibit any of the finicky behavior we often see on revolvers from this time period. The bore is in very good condition, showing strong lands and grooves with a mostly bright finish. There is some overall past fouling and oxidation, now removed, and the powder burn on the cylinder and barrel face show that the revolver definitely did see a good amount of service.

The cosmetic condition is very nice, showing a lovely patina of age overall, with some of the original blued finish still present on the sides of the frame. The cylinder and barrel have lost most of the original finish, which seems to happen due to the heat generated from firing. The rosewood grips are really nice, with almost all of their original factory "piano varnish" applied. The right scale is however cracked through, which was repaired, and there are some dents on the bottom of the grip, which looks to have been used as a hammer at some point.

Revolvers with serial numbers under 35,731 are considered to be civil war guns since they were manufactured before May 1st, 1865. All are 32-caliber rimfire with a six shot non-fluted cylinder. All were manufactured with rosewood grips and blue or nickel-plated finishes. The barrels are marked on top with the manufacturer and patent dates are stamped on the cylinder. Most were made with 6 or 5 inch barrels, with 4 available as a special order.

According to published sources, 77,155 Model 2 Army revolvers were made. To date, the serial numbers on observed specimens have not substantiated this figure, 76,642 being the highest number noted. Unfortunately, the Smith & Wesson factory records for this period are incomplete and do not give a comprehensive picture of production.

This is a nice chance to own a historically significant gun in lovely honest used condition! Made during the height of the Civil War, this revolver is ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1863-1864
Caliber: .32cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 11 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.