What do I have?

[dubnali]

Hi all. This gun, and a "My Friend" derringer-type pistol, are family heirlooms that have been possessed likely since new. Best I can tell, it's a Model 2 Type 3. Serial number is 3830. I'm mailing the request form off tomorrow, but am too anxious and impatient to wait on the response. Any help is appreciated.

 

[H Richard]

What you have is a Mod number two, Old Army. With that S/N it would probably have originated around 1862, and very possibly could have been used in the Civil War. There are u to 9 different types of Mod 2's and hopefully one of our more knowledgeable members will be along soon and give you more information. It appears to be the relatively more common 3 pin model with a nice unmolested finish in fairly decent condition. They made 77,155 of these between 1861 and 1874.

 

[DWalt]

"My Friend" derringer-type pistol

Is that the Reid Knuckle Duster .32?

 

[gmborkovic]

Just look at those Rosewood grips! They are absolutely perfect. That gun is over 150 years old and its beautiful. That gun lived history.
Just an old man. Mike 2796

 

[mrcvs]

You might find this site interesting:

Smith and Wesson Model 2 Army Revolver

 

[dubnali]

"My Friend" derringer-type pistol

Is that the Reid Knuckle Duster .32?

Yes. Identical to the one pictured here

Only problem with it is that somewhere along the line the head of the cylinder screw got broken off. We have it, but can't seem to find anyone willing to fix or replace it.

 

[dubnali]

What you have is a Mod number two, Old Army. With that S/N it would probably have originated around 1862, and very possibly could have been used in the Civil War. There are u to 9 different types of Mod 2's and hopefully one of our more knowledgeable members will be along soon and give you more information. It appears to be the relatively more common 3 pin model with a nice unmolested finish in fairly decent condition. They made 77,155 of these between 1861 and 1874.

Just look at those Rosewood grips! They are absolutely perfect. That gun is over 150 years old and its beautiful. That gun lived history.
Just an old man. Mike 2796

You might find this site interesting:

Smith and Wesson Model 2 Army Revolver

Thank you all. Dad and I have been doing some geneology work on our roots, and have gotten back to pre-revolutionary times with the side of the family these pistols came from. We've found a couple soldiers in there, one of which fought in the Civil War in a regiment from Indiana. So I guess there's a chance it could have been his.

 

[opoefc]

A factory historical letter will tell you when it was shipped and where, which most likely will be a S&W distributor, such as E.W.Pond. Ed.

 

[mmaher94087]

dubnali, please check your serial number as in your photo it looks like 8630. To check it, other than on the butt, carefully remove the stocks (grips) as the number should be stamped on the back of the right panel. There is a retaining pin at the bottom of the frame so be very careful not to pry as it will break, chip or otherwise render them junk. They are very fragile. Loosen the screw a few turns and tap the screw head to loosen.

 

[Masterpiece]

dubnali, please check your serial number as in your photo it looks like 8630.

Mike,

Close, but I believe if you enlarge his photo a tad you'll find it's actually 8830...Let's see what the OP comes up with when he pulls the Stocks/Grips to check...Hopefully they're the Originals!!

 

[dubnali]

Mike,

Close, but I believe if you enlarge his photo a tad you'll find it's actually 8830...Let's see what the OP comes up with when he pulls the Stocks/Grips to check...Hopefully they're the Originals!!

Thanks guys. After looking a little bit closer, it does appear to be 8830. The gun is at my dad's, so it'll be later today or tomorrow before I can even attempt to remove the grips. Thanks for the heads-up, we haven't sent the letter off yet thank goodness. Those 8s and 3s look very similar on a 150 year old gun.

 

[gmborkovic]

I hope those beautiful grips come off with no hitch. Before you tap on the loose screw, just remove the screw and gently tap on the frame with a wooden mallet. This is similar to removing a side plate. The grips should separate from the frame. Just use great care and perform this over a well padded bench. I have seen grips crack or the threaded escutcheon pushed out of the right grip, chipping the wood or worse cracking the grips in half. This is not my opinion, I have seen it happen.
Mike 2796

 

[mmaher94087]

I concur. 8830 it is.

 

[gmborkovic]

If the Sn. is 8830, leave the grips alone. Mike 2796