Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this single-action revolver today for a penny-start auction; this antique US Civil War Era Smith & Wesson Model 2 “Old Army” .32 RF Tip-up Revolver!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 2 “Old Army”
Serial: 18812
Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 6" Octagon
Optics/Sights: Round Blade with Rear Notch Cut into the Cylinder Stop Leaf
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wood Grips
Action: Single-Shot / Tip-Up Frame
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 2 “Old Army” revolver stands as one of the most iconic handguns of the Civil War era, representing the company’s early leadership in rimfire cartridge development. Introduced in 1861 as an improvement over the smaller .22 caliber Model 1, the Model 2 chambered the more powerful .32 Rimfire cartridge, offering greater stopping power in a compact package. Built on a tip-up frame with a 6-inch octagonal barrel, a 6-shot non-fluted cylinder, and a distinctive “spur” trigger, the revolver embodied the practical simplicity and innovation of mid-19th century firearms design. While the U.S. government never directly adopted the Model 2, the State of Kentucky purchased over 700 examples during the war, and many more were privately acquired by Union officers and cavalrymen. Its balance of power and portability made it a favored sidearm, and its presence in the hands of notable figures like General George Armstrong Custer during the Civil War attests to its popularity and reliability.
Model: Model 2 “Old Army”
Serial: 18812
Caliber: .32 Rimfire
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 6" Octagon
Optics/Sights: Round Blade with Rear Notch Cut into the Cylinder Stop Leaf
Stock/Grips: Smooth Wood Grips
Action: Single-Shot / Tip-Up Frame
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Smith & Wesson Model 2 “Old Army” revolver stands as one of the most iconic handguns of the Civil War era, representing the company’s early leadership in rimfire cartridge development. Introduced in 1861 as an improvement over the smaller .22 caliber Model 1, the Model 2 chambered the more powerful .32 Rimfire cartridge, offering greater stopping power in a compact package. Built on a tip-up frame with a 6-inch octagonal barrel, a 6-shot non-fluted cylinder, and a distinctive “spur” trigger, the revolver embodied the practical simplicity and innovation of mid-19th century firearms design. While the U.S. government never directly adopted the Model 2, the State of Kentucky purchased over 700 examples during the war, and many more were privately acquired by Union officers and cavalrymen. Its balance of power and portability made it a favored sidearm, and its presence in the hands of notable figures like General George Armstrong Custer during the Civil War attests to its popularity and reliability.
Beyond the battlefield, the Model 2 “Old Army” carried into the folklore of the American frontier. Legendary gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok was famously armed with one when he met his end in Deadwood, South Dakota, further cementing the revolver’s place in Western history. In total, Smith & Wesson manufactured 77,155 units between 1861 and 1874, with those produced before serial number 37,000 regarded as true Civil War-era examples. The revolver’s blue finish, smooth wood grips, and utilitarian sights reflect its straightforward yet effective design, making it not only a functional weapon of its time but also a highly collectible artifact today. The Model 2 “Old Army” remains an enduring symbol of Smith & Wesson’s early innovation and the turbulent era in which it played a role.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
