1403

The Rarest of All Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army Revolver with Extremely Scarce "2D.Quality" Marking

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
The Rarest of All Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army Revolver with Extremely Scarce  2D.Quality  Marking
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Estimate: $7000 - 10000
Manufactured between 1861 and 1874. This particular revolver is unserialized and the frame was left in the white. The left side of the frame and top of the barrel rib at the breech are marked "2D QUALITY", a marking which was put on these revolvers due to slight casting imperfections. Of the 77,155 Model 2 Army revolvers manufactured, this marking was stamped on only 35. Second quality revolvers are more common on the smith & Wesson 1st Model, 2nd Issue of which there are approximately 4,000. This could very well be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Many of these were sold commercially and used as a personal side arm by Civil War soldiers, as it was the only weapon able to fire self-contained cartridges and be easily carried as a backup by soldiers going off to war. The top of the barrel rib is marked "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS." and as noted above there is no serial number on this revolver. German silver blade fixed front sight, 6-shot unfluted cylinder with the S&W 1855, 1859 and 1860 patent dates around the center. The frame has a spur trigger, three-pin top strap, blue barrel and fitted with varnished smooth two piece rosewood grips. Note the placement of the grip screw.
BBL: 6 inch solid rib
Stock:
Gauge: 32 RF
Finish: blue/bright
Grips: rosewood
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Very good. The barrel retains 20% original blue finish all in protected areas with a smooth mottled brown patina on the balance. The frame remains in the original unpolished factory bright and has some minor flash pitting. The grips are also very good with a small chip on the inside upper right side, some very minor lower edge wear and a few minor handling marks. The markings are clear.