Can this Model 2 Army be worth $1200?

[DCWilson]

I stopped at my usual gun store yesterday to arrange for them to import a Pre-28 I just bought. While I was there I looked at their consignment shelf and found something much older than what I usually see there: a Model 2 Army in .32 RF, S/N 46442. Six-inch barrel. The asking price is $1200, which strikes me as too much. Opinions?

Condition: chip missing from left stock, tip of hammer broken (or filed) off at an angle on right side. Lock up seems tight, but the top hinge is a little loose, allowing some side to side play when the gun is open. Lockwork seems OK -- it holds cocked position and releases without haste or delay. Cocking is a little stiff, which makes me think it is pretty grimy inside. I don't know how to evaluate the finish. It looks pretty dirty to me and I would bet a nice long bath in breakfree would make it look a little fresher. The front sight is very worn and a little tweaked. Looks like it might be a later replacement for a lost original blade.

I didn't have a decent camera with me and had to use my cell phone for a couple of grab shots.

I don't know much about these guns beyond what is written in the standard books and on Ron Curtis' web site. If anyone can give me tips about evaluating the gun, or give an opinion about what you can see in the photos, I would appreciate it.

 

[deadin]

Looks pretty much like what the trade calls a "brown gun".
I don't think they're bringing anything near that amount. (yet)

 

[Dosgatos]

David, can you direct me to Ron Curtis' web site?
Thanks, Peter

 

[DCWilson]

Smith and Wesson Model 2 Army Revolver

I think he is close to publishing a major study of the Model 2. I will be standing in line to buy one.

 

[opoefc]

Ron and I were at the Las Vegas antique gunshow last week and he bought several similar Model 2s, one a brown gun, with a 3 digit serial number, and one with lots of original nickel. He paid in the $700-$900 range. Quite a few Model 2s were there on various tables, for sale. $1200 would have bought you a nice 85% blued gun, very tight with mint grips. Ed #15

 

[wedgeguns]

Model 2 project

I think Ed hit it pretty close. I got carried away in Los Vegas and ended up with six two pins. The two pins should bring at least fifty percent more The serial range would be Serial numbers 1 to 310 we find type 1 with the locator pin on the inside of the grip. type two would be 312 to 3200 (some over lap between two pin and three pin) The next group would be civil war guns which would be around the 35000 mark, Thus far there does not seem to be much difference in the other six types as idenified by my study.

Plain Jane number twos no finish complete (hammer tips and Ejector rods our quite frequnetly missing. $400 to $600 The second group would be complete tight slight wiggle in the hinge $600 to $800 10 to 30 %finish
The next grouping would be $900 to $!500 guns should be complete having 30 to 80% finish. the 90 to 98% number twos our running between $2000 and up. Note nickel guns our scarce but do not demand the price 5 inch our not rare in the two pin about 40 % our five inch.
My observations of the market place today. My web site wwwmodel2project.com Hope this helps
ron

 

[DCWilson]

Ron and Ed, thank you both. Even with the light damage the gun is an OK specimen of a period in S&W history that I know nothing about. I may go back and see how desperate the consignor is to unload it. If I end up with it at a reasonable price, I'll post better photos here.

 

[pace40]

David

For $1,200, you can do much better.

Mike