Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Army 32 Rimfire - Antique Revolver *1864*

This is a US Civil War-era Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Army revolver hambered in .32 Rimfire. It features a 6-inch barrel with top-break design, blued finish, all matching numbers and a 6-round cylinder. The serial number places the date of manufacture to 1864. Smith began shipping these type of revolvers just two months after the beginning of the American Civil War. The company continued to leverage its patent well beyond the war and these guns remained popular on the frontiers. There were 77,200 of these revolvers made from 1861 through 1874. Revolvers with serial numbers under 35,731 are considered to be Civil War guns since they were manufactured before May 1, 1865. During the Civil War, Kentucky purchased 700 of these revolvers from the arms dealer B. Kittredge & Company and issued them to the 7th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry. Notables who carried the Model 2 Army during the war include George Armstrong Custer, who had a pair of Model 2 Army revolvers. Rutherford B. Hayes, future U.S. President, was also know to carry one. Post-war it was the preferred revolver for "Wild Bill" Hickok; he was carrying a Model 2 Army the night he was shot and killed in 1874. This example is in very good condition for being 162 years old. Much of the original bright bluing remains with very modest patina and spots of surface rust. The bore is bright and shiny with strong rifling, there are a few areas of light pitting. Mechanically everything works well with a strong hammer spring, fine timing and good lockup. This would be a great addition to any Civil War, Smith & Wesson or antique revolver collection. Buy online today!