Original U.S. Smith & Wesson Nickel Plated 2nd Model No.2 Single Action .38cal Revolver Made in 1886 with Factory Letter - Matching Serial 98909

Original Item: Only One available. Here we have a lovely example of Smith & Wesson 2nd Model No.2 Single Action revolver in .38 S&W blackpowder. Introduced in 1876 as a larger version of the S&W Model 1 1/2, it features the same "top-break" design, and has a ejector built into the cylinder, as with other Smith & Wesson top break designs. The revolver is nickel-plated with lovely S&W monogram marked black hard rubber "gutta percha" grip scales. While we have had many other S&W revolvers in the past, as far as we can tell, this is the first .38 Single Action that we have had, and it's definitely a prime example.

The many patents the revolver was covered under are stamped onto the top of the barrel rib:-

SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT'D JAN.17
& 24.65 JULY 11. 65 AUG.24.69 JULY 25. 71. MAY 11. 1880

The revolver is marked with matching serial number 98909 on the bottom of the grip, the rear of the cylinder, the rear of the barrel, on the barrel latch, and even on the inside of the right grip scale, all the places it should be marked. 

As a real rarity, we have a factory letter on official SMITH & WESSON LETTERHEAD, giving research information about this revolver. Many are not even aware that letters as these were obtainable, and it is the fourth example that we have ever had. Dated May 15, 2025, it bears the signature of Don Mundell, the Smith & Wesson historian, stamped with a S&W Raised seal. The letter identifies the serial 98909 as a .38 Single Action Second Model, also referred to as a Model 2, Number 2, which was introduced in 1877 and manufactured until 1891, with a serial range of 1 to 108225. It mentions that the most common finish was nickel, which would have black hard rubber stocks.

The letter than indicates the results of researching the revolver's serial number in the Smith & Wesson warehouse records. It was shipped from our Stockbridge Street factory May 20, 1886. It was delivered to M. W. Robinson, New York City, Smith & Wesson's largest distributor at the time. The records also indicate that the revolver was shipped with a nickel finish, a 3.25-inch raised rib barrel with a pinned half-moon front sight, fixed rear sights, a five shot fluted cylinder, and checkered round butt black hard rubber grips. It indicates it was shipped as part of a large order of .38 SAs in a large variety of finishes and barrel lengths. The original letter is included with the revolver, and would fantastic set up next to it in a display case.

As mentioned previously, the revolver really looks great, with the nickel plating very well retained, and the original hard rubber grips showing only light wear from age and use. The revolver cycles beautifully, and is really "Tight as a Drum'. It indexes exactly where it should, the mechanics are crisp, the cylinder lock up is strong. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior we usually see on revolvers of this age. The action breaks open correctly, with the ejector presenting properly, snapping back when the action is fully open. The bore on the revolver is in very good condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. There are however a few scattered areas of light oxidation. We very rarely see bores this good on revolvers from this period, and it looks to barely have been used, though it was not oiled properly, so spots of oxidation took hold.

This is a Top-break revolver making loading extremely easy and frankly a much better system than the side loading Colts and Mervin & Hulbert revolvers of the time. A lovely nickel plated "Model 2, Number 2" Smith & Wesson revolver with some great research potential, the first example that we have ever had! Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: 1886
Caliber: .38 S&W Blackpowder
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 7 3/4 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

History of the Smith & Wesson Model No. 2

The Smith & Wesson Model 2, also referred to as the Smith & Wesson .38 Single Action, was a .38 caliber revolver produced in both single and double action by Smith & Wesson. The manufacturer's first of that caliber, its 5-shot cylinder was chambered in .38 S&W. The single-action was produced in three varieties from 1876 through 1911, with total production exceeding 223,000 units; the double-action in three variants from 1880 to 1913, with total sales somewhat under one-million guns.

The Model 2 fired a black powder cartridge. It was a "top-break" weapon, with the barrel release catch located on the top of the frame, just in front of the hammer. It was a larger caliber version of the third model of the Smith & Wesson Model 1 1/2.

Single Action
In 1876, Smith & Wesson Model 2 debuted in a single-action format, meaning the hammer had to be cocked manually to set the trigger in order to fire the revolver. These revolvers fired black powder cartridges, and were available in nickel or blued finishes.

1st Model
The first model of the .38 Single Action can be identified by its smooth barrel (lacking fluting), and the long extractor shroud similar to the Smith & Wesson Model 3 Russian pistol, which lent it the nickname "Baby Russian". It had a spur trigger and lacked a trigger guard. Models were available in blued or nickel-plated finishes, and the majority were produced with 3+1⁄2-inch or 4-inch barrels, although barrels as long as 7 inches were sold.

Serial numbers range from 1 through to 25,548 between 1876 and 1877. This pistol was used by the Baltimore Police Department from 1876 to 1917 and such revolvers are marked "City of Balto".

2nd Model
The second model of the 38 Single Action used a shorter and more efficient ejection and extraction system and lack the shroud of the 1st model. It was produced in blued steel and nickel-plated versions, with most models having a 3+1⁄2-inch or 4+1⁄2-inch barrel. Rare versions had barrels of 6, 8 and 10 inches in length.

These revolvers had a spur trigger, lacked a trigger guard and were serial numbered consecutively from 1 through 108,255.

3rd Model
The third model of the 38 Single Action was made from 1891 to 1911 and is often known as the 1891 Model, Model 01 or the Model of 91 as the latter is stamped on the top of the barrel. This version used a standard trigger and a trigger guard, but 2000 of these revolvers were made for the Mexican government with the spur trigger and no guard and are referred to as the "Mexican Model"