I love it when I see worn, fairly common antique S&Ws selling way high at auctions. I ran across a brown Model 2, nothing special about it and little to no bluing left. Some roughness and pitting ahead of the cylinder, but not abused or modified from original. Well it sold for $2100, plus $420 sales commission. Over $2500 out the door for the buyer seems very high to me, but since I own a few, I am hoping that I can raise my valuation.
Auction company was North American Auction Company in Montana.
It is also the less rare three pin version. I would think that gun sold for about $1,000 more than market. It must either be very special (shipped to Custer) or two fellas got into a you know what contest. What did P.T. Barnum say???????
You are bidding on a Smith & Wesson Model No.2 Old Model Army .32 Rimfire Revolver. This was S&Ws first revolver over .22 caliber that was made from 1861-1874. Those with serial numbers below 35731 were manufactured before the end of the Civil War. This excellent example has low serial number 13579 and was manufactured during the very early years of the war. As described in Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms: “The Model No.2 was a popular personal sidearm with many officers and enlisted men during the Civil War. General George Armstrong Custer is known to have owned a pair of these…The notorious western gunslinger ‘Wild Bill’ Hickock, while marshal of Deadwood was carrying a Model 2 “Army” (as well as aces and eights) the night he was shot in August 1874.” .” This example is in a much higher grade of condition to those usually encountered, most of which show hard use and often abuse. Even the bore is in superior condition, exc. mechanically with very slight wobble barrel to frame hinge. (most of these are worn and loose), correct “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS.” Barrel marking with correct tiny patent date markings around the cylinder and matching assembly numbers on the frame and barrel. This especially early .32 caliber revolver is a particularly fine example with 6” barrel, lovely matching serial number rosewood grips and totally uncleaned, natural patinaed plum surface appearance. This is revolver was manufactured from 1861-1874. Antique firearm. NO FFL transfer or NICS background check required. Serial number is 13579.
Maybe it was the "NO FFL or NICS check that got the bidders excited. It will be an eye-opener when the winner finds out there is no ammo for his or her Model 2.
Clearly there were a few people in the audience that got swept up in bidding fever. I guess this is good for the seller, but I'm not sure that this raises the values of all No. 2's that much. As others have suggested, I've seen plenty of these guns in similar condition go for low 4 figure amounts.
I've seen plenty of these guns in similar condition go for low 4 figure amounts.
As Mike stated and I'm guessing many were auctions or online sales. Many times if you were to find one of these in a private sale it might be had for even less.
I will say however, after reading the full auction description this one does appear to be one of the better examples to be found. I also know that due to the heavier and longer barrel, the model 2 usually has even more side play than the smaller model one's. Even finding one of those smaller versions of a tip up without side pay can be tough.
I think many times the auction house itself has a draw if regular buyers that have deep pockets. Its tough for a regular Joe like me to compete with the deep pockets.
Don, have you forgotten that miniature gold box that I gave you already?????????????????????
Not to mention that the good book says, "it is better to give than to receive." Especially since Roy has been so gracious to you lately, I would think that you would be overflowing with the goodness of heart and just want to send me a round for my collection....
First rule of auction bidding ,do not let emotion get the best of you 2nd rule never ever let emotion get the best of you . I'm no expert but from what the experts are saying sounds like just a little emotion got in this deal . But if the buyer thinks he got a good deal a good deal that's what matters like rct always says "it's only money after all "
Gary
I have ammo for it. I'm asking $50.00 a round to the high bidder, seems he/she can afford it.
Don - I saw the writing on the wall almost 30 years ago when Navy Arms started marketing this caliber. I was collecting Model 1, 1 1/2, and 2 tip-ups in the 1970s and found ammo only available in original boxes of BP and early smokeless, no new manufacture to be found. The old ammo was unpredictable, with many misfires so when Navy Arms started importing ammo almost 20 years later, I jumped on the opportunity to stock up. If I could have afforded more, I would have bought more, but ended up with 3 cases. They were selling for the outrageous price of I think $18 a box. I bought a box of Long and Short and found them to be quality ammo, so bought lots more. I figured that might be the last time anyone would offer this caliber and am glad I made the purchase.
I have still have a mixed case of 32 Long & Short from Navy Arms and am about to bust it open, since I have shot all the ammo from my other cases. Expect it to last about as long as I do, so don't need more. Do I wish I had the three cases to sell for $100 a box today - no.
As for 4 digit Model 2s, there may be some out there asking for that kind of money, but I follow old tip-ups and have notes for 18 of them in similar condition as the one above, selling at auction in the last year for around the $450 - $650 range, so I think only the uninformed buyer will pay this kind of money for a no-finish Model 2. Do I wish they all are worth $2000 - heck yes but . . .
I still enjoy shooting all my 32 rimfire guns, but honestly, friends and range shooters who have never held a Civil War era cartridge revolver enjoy shooting them just as much.
First rule of auction bidding ,do not let emotion get the best of you 2nd rule never ever let emotion get the best of you . I'm no expert but from what the experts are saying sounds like just a little emotion got in this deal . But if the buyer thinks he got a good deal a good deal that's what matters like rct always says "it's only money after all "
Very true and as I have said before, $2,100 to a guy on fixed income or working for $15 an hour is a lot of money. To the guy that just sold his dot com business for 5 billion, not so much.
Dad said: Believe half of what you see and only one quarter of what you hear. I'd be suspicious of this one. Seems awfully high but both mine are in better condition and in Civil War SN range so, I hope it was a honest auction.
Thought I would Share this Auction Result
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