Smith and Wesson old army #2-type4

tmilliron · Jul 27, 2011

I bought this at a estate auction, has a 6 inch barrel in good shape.
What year would a serial number 16838 be made in? Cylinder and barrel have a B5 stamp. Inside of rosewood handle has 16838 same as serial number. Looks to be in nice shape.
Smith and Wesson 32 old army -2 type 4 pictures by ironmill - Photobucket

pace40 · Jul 27, 2011

Welcome to the forum. Your Model 2 was likely shipped in 1864.

opoefc · Jul 27, 2011

The B5 stamp should also be on the grip frame. B5 is the worker assembly number used to keep the pieces identified after bluing or nickel plating, and to keep track of production, as the assemblers were paid by piece rate for their production. On the back of the right grip panel, if the grips are original to the gun, and on the butt, are the only places on a Model 2 Army that the serial number will appear. Ed.

tmilliron · Jul 27, 2011

Grip and frame

Left side/bottom of frame has the B5 as is cylinder and barrel and behind the right grip which are rosewood is serial number which is same on bottom of frame.
Thanks for info-This would be a pistol that could have been a Civil War piece - correct? Sorry for my lack of knowledge. I am a WWII collector
photos posted:
Smith and Wesson 32 old army -2 type 4 pictures by ironmill - Photobucket

H Richard · Jul 27, 2011

With a shipping date of 1864, it very likely could have served in the war. It was not an official government procured handgun, but many soldiers purchased their own. Some small batch's may have been purchased by individual state militia's.

A very well preserved example. A fine addition to anyone's collection.

tmilliron · Jul 27, 2011

Ammuntion

I had 2 boxes of 32 rim fire -1 of short and 1 of long and sold them for $25 a box last year....after having it 35 years, wouldn't you know I got the pistol now and no ammo. haha AND the ammo was most likely a lot more than $25 a box.
This pistol is tight and rifling looks good- little dark and I would shoot it. Any of you guys here shoot your antique pistols?
Thanks for all you folks help.
Tim

pace40 · Jul 28, 2011

I've shot this one using the Navy Arms loads from the early 90's run.
Don't do it often cause it gets a little pricey

pace40-albums-model-2-old-army-picture4945-32329-layout-email.jpg

tmilliron · Jul 28, 2011

very nice

solid built firearms, and for around 125-150 years old - very nice.
Take Care
Tim

McShooty · Aug 2, 2011

Nice gun. Dixie Gun Works sells machined cases for .32 rimfire. An off-center hole in the head allows you to insert a .22 blank for ignition. Then you use black powder, about 5 grains, and a round ball, .310 or .315. The cases are rather expensive (6 for $25 or so) and awkward to use, but they work and give amazing velocity in a No. 2. They come in short and long. Forget the short and use only the long if you are interested. I have posted several threads on using these cases. See "More On Machined Cases for .32 Rimfire" of July 19, 2011.

Smith and Wesson old army #2-type4

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