This Large frame, .41 caliber, No. 2 Lever Action Repeating Pistol was manufactured by Smith & Wesson c. 1854. This pistol has the Type II features which include: (1) crowned muzzle, (2) rounded magazine lock T-bar spring and (3) two carrier block spring screws. The frame has the hump behind the hammer and the loading lever has a the finger spur found on No. 2 Type I pistols. The eight-inch, part round/part octagon barrel has an integral 10-shot magazine, nickel-silver, pinch top front sight blade and small steel, clam-shell magazine follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the "Inverted V" marking: "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH CT." above "PATENT/CAST STEEL" in two lines. The steel receiver has square ejection port ends, a screw-fastened, notched rear sight, and hammer with fine, hand-cut, knurling. The two-piece rosewood grips have flared bottoms. The top and sides of the receiver, side plates, back strap and top of the hammer are decorated with the open scroll engraving that was standard on S&W No. 2 pistols. The serial number is stamped on the lower left side of the butt beneath the grips and on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel is browned. The steel receiver, loading lever, cartridge carrier, bolt, rear sight and trigger originally had a high polish blue finish. The hammer is color casehardened with muted case colors. The grips have a varnished piano finish. Smith & Wesson manufactured approximately 500 of the large frame .41 caliber lever action pistols. Surviving examples are very scarce. Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection