S&W Model #2

Noah22 · #1 10-25-2020, 05:17 PM

I’ve acquired what I assume to be a model #2 recently Im looking for some input on its authenticity any info would be greatly appreciated

opoefc · #2 10-25-2020, 05:33 PM

Welcome to the Forum. Model 2s did not come with butt swivels originally, so the swivel is a later addition, however it appears to have been there for some time. What is the number stamped on the back side of the right grip panel ? There should be an assembly code shown ( letter & digit, usually ) on the grip frame, back of the cylinder and rear ofthe barrel. If they are all identical the parts are original. If not, the gun may be a foreign copy. Ed

Noah22 · #3 10-25-2020, 05:53 PM

Thank you for the welcome! Here’s the number on the back of the grip panel and as for the grip frame, cylinder, and barrel they All have a 20 or 2O inscribed on them

first-model · #4 10-25-2020, 06:08 PM

75,426 is the serial number. The "20" is just an assembly number that was used to keep the "matched" parts together during assembly. All it tells us now is that the barrel, cylinder and frame are original to the gun, and have not been swapped out with parts from other guns.

This is a pretty late Model 2 that probably dates to 1874. Looks to be authentic and in pretty good shape to me, but the authenticity question is one that can really only be answered with the gun in hand. That said, I don't see any of the usual tip-offs of a foreign made copy.

Mike

Mike

Noah22 · #5 10-25-2020, 06:51 PM

I really appreciate the information y’all! I definitely came to the right place I wasn’t expecting such a quick response I do have one more question tho what is the average value of a model #2 in decent condition?

mmaher94087 · #6 10-25-2020, 07:42 PM

The addition of the lanyard ring obliterated or obscured the serial number on the butt. Your photo of the right stock (grip) shows the complete serial number of the revolver; 75426. As stated, the ring is a later addition but the revolver is very nice and I agree with Mike in the above post.

glowe · #7 10-25-2020, 07:43 PM

Welcome to the Forum. The serial number is always stamped on the butt of the revolver in small numbers. All that I have seen are stamped near the front of the butt. Instead of that, "26" was stamped near the center of the butt and that cannot be the serial number??

Overall, the gun looks like it is a S&W and with the standard address stamp on the top rib helps with authenticity. Problem is that the serial number is incorrect on the butt, maybe the original was removed when the lanyard ring was installed. The rosewood stocks do have a serial number in the proper range for a three pin gun, but could also have been a replacement set from another gun?? There are a few questions on what happened to your Model 2 after it left the factory. What serial number did the seller use to list the gun?

Noah22 · #8 10-25-2020, 08:54 PM

Mmaher94087 I’m thinking the same thing the 754 was probably destroyed by the lanyard ring glowe does Have a good point about the placement of the number as well tho every serial number that I’ve seen appears to be off to the side so that throws a little confusion in there

Noah22 · #9 10-25-2020, 09:02 PM

Glowe 75426 is the serial number it’s listed as I’m not sure if maybe it was stamped more toward the center of the butt or what I can’t seem to find an example Of another model 2 with a more centered stamp tho

mmaher94087 · #10 10-25-2020, 09:08 PM

Noah,
Check out (google) "The Model 2 Project". As Gary indicated, the SN is closer to the toe of the frame but the late production revolvers are shown with a 'more centered' serial. Look at type 9.

Noah22 · #11 10-25-2020, 09:32 PM

Mmaher i went and checked that out and I see what you mean that’s comforting knowing the later models had the more centered SN thanks for pointing that out now I just need to figure out a rough value to see how I did on it but the lanyard ring kinda throws a wrench in the evaluation Haha

opoefc · #12 10-25-2020, 11:18 PM

The lanyard ring is of the style seen on the pre 1900 S&Ws, as well as revolvers of other makes, and it might be factory work if the gun was returned to S&W for the addition. I would estimate the value is between $650 to $850 in today's depressed market for antiques. Ed.

iby · #13 10-26-2020, 01:20 PM

I don't see anything to suggest your gun is a foreign copy.
Nice condition and I like the added lanyard ring.

first-model · #14 10-26-2020, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opoefc

The lanyard ring is of the style seen on the pre 1900 S&Ws, as well as revolvers of other makes, and it might be factory work if the gun was returned to S&W for the addition. I would estimate the value is between $650 to $850 in today's depressed market for antiques. Ed.

I would tend towards the low end of Ed's estimate.

Tthe more interesting question to ask would be: why was the lanyard ring added? If it was for some sort of military or law enforcement use — and if this could be documented with factory paperwork — then the value could go up considerably. But that's a lot to try to prove.

Mike

Exmilcop · #15 10-26-2020, 04:52 PM

Beautiful piece! I assume it's in .32 rf. like Mod.1-1/2 I have. I've just picked up another box of Winchester .32 rf. in very good condition.

mmaher94087 · #16 10-26-2020, 10:15 PM

Exmilcop, yes it is .32 RF Short (and will shoot the Long). .32 RF cartridges are running about $1 each in the states. I understand the 'why' of your selection and wish I'd bought more when it was available.

Exmilcop · #17 10-27-2020, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmaher94087

Exmilcop, yes it is .32 RF Short (and will shoot the Long). .32 RF cartridges are running about $1 each in the states. I understand the 'why' of your selection and wish I'd bought more when it was available.

HOLY SMOKES!!!!!!! A dollar per round???? That's the stuff of dreams up here! A good viable box of 50, depending on the maker, will run anything from $250-$375 per box IF you can find it! Even factoring in the devalued Canadian dollar, I'd snap it up in a heartbeat.

mmaher94087 · #18 10-27-2020, 11:47 AM

Yikes!! The last box I saw seemed expensive to me. I guess I should have bought it.

JSR III · #19 10-27-2020, 12:23 PM

You have a very nice looking Model 2 however I think that I see evidence of excess cleaning in photos 2 and 4. It could be the light or it could just be the way that it appears on my monitor but in photo 2 I see what looks like circular cleaning marks in front of the cylinder and again behind the cylinder. Photo 4 shows a shiny spot that appears to have been made using steel or copper wool to remove rust or corrosion. Again perhaps just the lighting and hard to be sure without the gun in hand.

Not sure if the obliterated butt serial number is an issue with an antique however a lot of folks get really nervous when this is done. Could affect resale value.

PS: Welcome to the forum and way to make an entrance.