Requesting some info on a Model 2 Old Army Type 1

[wart-hog]

Hello, some years ago I purchased this S&W Model 2 Army from an online auction. Pictures weren't great, but I could discern it was a 3-digit and took a chance that it was early enough to be a Type 1.

Doing some research back then, I seem to recall that type 1's had pinned grips up to around #300. So when I received it, I was happy to see it was #270 (turns out this is in Ron Curtis' database) and had matched pinned grips.

Unfortunately the revolver is in poor condition with a loose hinge, finish loss and a repair to tighten up the front of the cylinder. Action seems OK except it needs a pawl spring.

Just wondering how rare this is (how many Type 1's?) and how much the condition hurts its value... also, when did they end 2-pins and pinned grips, was it at the same time? What exactly constitutes a Type 1?

Thanks in advance for any/all info...

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There.

Nice No. 2 Old Army. The No. 2 isn't my specialty but as I understand it,
the Type 1 is the earliest type frame. These were the two-pin top strap
and a locator pin in the grips. This type was changed to the Type 2 when
the locating pin in the grips was dropped. This happened somewhere
between serial numbers 312 and 550.

The Type 2 frame lasted until somewhere in the early 3000's serial number
range, a third pin was added. Then it became the Type 3 frame.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[glowe]

In case you might not have seen this site.

The Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army Revolver – By Ronald H. Curtis

 

[wart-hog]

Hi There.

Nice No. 2 Old Army. The No. 2 isn't my specialty but as I understand it,
the Type 1 is the earliest type frame. These were the two-pin top strap
and a locator pin in the grips. This type was changed to the Type 2 when
the locating pin in the grips was dropped. This happened somewhere
between serial numbers 312 and 550.

The Type 2 frame lasted until somewhere in the early 3000's serial number
range, a third pin was added. Then it became the Type 3 frame.

Cheers!
Webb

Webb, thank you for the information...

 

[wart-hog]

In case you might not have seen this site.

The Smith & Wesson Model 2 Army Revolver – By Ronald H. Curtis

Wow, awesome site! Don't know how I missed it in a search...

 

[wart-hog]

Thanks again for the website and other info, I have two additional Model 2's that I submitted to the project database (#1885 Type 2 and #64237 Type 8).

Still curious how much the fairly poor condition of this Type 1 detracts from its value... seems to be a rare bird with the last recorded Type 1 being #312 and the first Type 2 #324 according to the database. I guess if you're a collector of the Model 2 types it would have more value than someone just looking for an early Model 2.

 

[iby]

Collectors of antique Smiths are also becoming kind of rare

 

[wlw-19958]

Hi There,

Collectors of antique Smiths are also becoming kind of rare

That's because they aren't done yet.

Cheers!
Webb

 

[glowe]

Value is all about 3 things, scarcity/supply, collector demand and condition. There is a larger demand segment is for the Model 2 in general than with what type you are trying to buy. I fall into the owning no particular type or configuration. Having owned several later serial numbered Model 2 revolvers, I concentrated on serial numbers in the Civil War range since it was very likely they were carried into battle. I see this model as selling for around $500-$600 in average condition. It is different for high condition guns. First, collectors are seeking this type of gun because they typically own high condition guns and will pay the premium for the percent finish. Even for these collectors, I still think that prices here would not be much different for a 2 pin or 3 pin gun. Here is an unknown Civil War soldier holding a Model 2 that is also in my collection.