I now understand that this forum is in fact the big brain for S&W. Collectively, this forum knows all. I have recently acquired a Smith Model 2 Army Type 3. Believe me, I have researched the heck out of it the best I could prior to posting since I know little about guns this old. Now, I turn it over to the pros. What do you think, did I guess it right, what is the value? I even have some pics. It is mechanically very tight and works like a champ.
Model 2 Army type 3
- Thread starter Phatdog
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opoefc
US Veteran
You need to tell us more about your Model 2 Army. What is the serial number ? What are the assembly codes and do they all match? What is the number stamped on the back side of the right grip panel ? It appears from your photo that the gun's barrel has suffered from poor storage, compared to the rest of the gun. That condition is often the result of being kept in a leather holster for long periods and the tannic acid in the leader removes the blue finish. Current value is about $750, give to take $50, if all numbers and codes are matching. Ed.
As Ed says, more details and more pics would help. It is a shame that the bluing has suffered, perhaps from being kept in a leather holster. It has very crisp metal with sharp edges , good screw heads, plus excellent stocks. All that said, the lack of finish greatly diminishes the value. I would guess it could sell today for $500 to $700.
I assume you have found the Model 2 Project website to make the Type 3 Identification. Smith and Wesson Model 2 Army Revolver. That would put the manufacture in the early part of the Civil War.
I assume you have found the Model 2 Project website to make the Type 3 Identification. Smith and Wesson Model 2 Army Revolver. That would put the manufacture in the early part of the Civil War.
Rusty Shacklford
Member
Hello, First let me state I am not a professional. You do have a very nice revolver there. Though you may already have perused it I would recommend this site
Smith and Wesson Model 2 Army Revolver
It is a good site that is interesting for the model 2 lover/collector. The type 3 is within the 3109-10121 range. These were constructed during the Civil War and there is a chance it was issued or a private purchase weapon used during the period. They have a database of serial numbers, check it, they were popular. Apparently Earl Van Dorn had a pair of 5" barreled ones and Sterling Price had a 6" piece.
A quick check of the gunsinternational.com website has model 2's listed for 990-1600 depending on condition. The lower price has about 40% finish with the higher price 90-95% finish. I don't know if they can sell at those prices but that's what they are listed for.
Are there any other markings? Many of the type 3's were marked on LH side of barrel S.Kittridge and Co. Cincinatti Ohio.
As my neighbor has stated you would want to check the assembly numbers etc. to see if it has all original parts and is not a mix of parts from different weapons. Sometimes a replacement barrel or other part may have been put on at a later date. This would lower the value.
Were there any other accouterments or such that came with it? It is possible to get a factory letter for it, as you probably already know. It would be well worth the small cost and might help with some type of provenance/chain of ownership. Have fun, show us more pics, and let us know of the results.
Smith and Wesson Model 2 Army Revolver
It is a good site that is interesting for the model 2 lover/collector. The type 3 is within the 3109-10121 range. These were constructed during the Civil War and there is a chance it was issued or a private purchase weapon used during the period. They have a database of serial numbers, check it, they were popular. Apparently Earl Van Dorn had a pair of 5" barreled ones and Sterling Price had a 6" piece.
A quick check of the gunsinternational.com website has model 2's listed for 990-1600 depending on condition. The lower price has about 40% finish with the higher price 90-95% finish. I don't know if they can sell at those prices but that's what they are listed for.
Are there any other markings? Many of the type 3's were marked on LH side of barrel S.Kittridge and Co. Cincinatti Ohio.
As my neighbor has stated you would want to check the assembly numbers etc. to see if it has all original parts and is not a mix of parts from different weapons. Sometimes a replacement barrel or other part may have been put on at a later date. This would lower the value.
Were there any other accouterments or such that came with it? It is possible to get a factory letter for it, as you probably already know. It would be well worth the small cost and might help with some type of provenance/chain of ownership. Have fun, show us more pics, and let us know of the results.
Last edited:
opoefc
US Veteran
I see an assembly code on the rear of the cylinder, however you haven't answered the question of whether they all match. Show photos of the codes on the barrel & frame, to determined if the gun is all original parts. Is the serial number 8783 stamped on the right grip panel ? Ed.
There is what looks like I 4 on the front of the cylinder. Look at the barrel frame directly in front of the cylinder for the same marking, then under the stocks on the butt-frame (probably on the left side.
Everything was machined and hand fitted on that Model, so not only did it function like a fine watch, it looked like the gunmakers really cared about their craft. That is only one of the reasons why I love to collect the old S&Ws.
