This is a nice wartime example of the Smith and Wesson .32 caliber rimfire Number 2 Army revolver made from 1861 to 1874. This one is serial number 33869, made later in the war, but before the May 1, 1865, cutoff date given by Flayderman for number 35731. A few were purchased by the State of Kentucky from Kittredge of Cincinnati and issued to men of the 7^th Kentucky Cavalry, but the army preferred larger calibers for enlisted men. Their self-contained, waterproof cartridges, however, made them a favorite for officers, travelers, and westerners who did not have to worry about fumbling for percussion caps or delicate cartridges damaged by moisture or rough handling. They show up frequently in Civil War photographs.

The metal is smooth with good color. The frame, both sides and top, and the cylinder have strong blue with only minor age spotting or handling marks. The cylinder shows just a little bright metal around the base and forward edge from rotating and the latch release shows some rubbing from handling. The barrel has excellent coverage as well and is shading slightly toward plum. We see just a little freckling to the frame forward of the cylinder from firing. The barrel marking, SMITH & WESSON. SPRINGFIELD, MASS. is sharp, as is the patent date on the cylinder. (The “bored through” cylinder had been inadvertently patented by Rolling White and, in moment of insight, licensed by Smith and Wesson.)  The serial number on the buttstrap is crisp. The rosewood grips have excellent color, finish, and fit. The mechanics and bore are very good.

This is a very good looking Civil War pistol that would really dress up an officer’s display. It would be perfectly appropriate as well for a western collection. Custer owned one, as did Wild Bill Hickok.  [SR] [ph:m]

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