Lot #242
Lot #244

Lot 243: Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 "Old Army" Revolver

Civil War Era Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 "Old Army" Revolver with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 13, 2022

Lot 243: Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 "Old Army" Revolver

Civil War Era Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 "Old Army" Revolver with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 13, 2022

Estimated Price: $3,500 - $5,500

Civil War Era Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 "Old Army" Revolver with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: 2 Army
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 32 RF
Barrel: 6 inch solid rib
Finish: silver
Grip: rosewood
Stock:
Item Views: 4832
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 188
Class: Antique
Description:

The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 6 inch barrel, blue finish and smooth rosewood grips when shipped on May 7, 1863 and delivered to J.W. Storrs Co., New York City. This shipment was for 25 units of this model in the same configuration. The revolver features a full silver finish that appears to have been applied when the gun was in new-untouched condition and has seen only minor handling evidence since. As noted by S&W historian Roy Jinks in the factory letter, "J.W. Storrs Company altered many of these revolvers to various finishes to fill special war time orders." J.W. Storrs Co. was S&W's sole agent from 1857 to 1869. The right grip panel is numbered to the gun. Matching assembly marks are on the grip frame, cylinder, and barrel. The Model No. 2 Army began production just prior to the start of the Civil War and quickly became popular, especially among Union officers. Provenance: The Sheryl Cheely Collection

Rating Definition:

Very fine, retaining 98% plus of the period retailer applied silver plating with all markings, edges and corners sharp and clear. The grips are also very fine with a few lines along the grain, mild handling marks, a couple tiny chips at the toe and nearly all original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent.



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