S&W Model 2

[hsr]

I just got this Smith & Wesson Model 2 and thought I would show it off. Interestingly the Auction house listed it as serial number 14996, but to my eyes and as confirmed on the inside of the grip it looks to be 14986. Can anyone tell me its born on date? I sent for a factory letter, but that will take months.

Information

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[Salt Flat]

hsr, Very nice! The S&W records are sketchy for the No. 2. There were some 77,000 produced so yours would be quite early and I would assume that with production from 1861-1874 it was probably made in the 2nd or 3rd year of production. Those under serial 35700 are considered possible Civil War used although usually purchased by individual soldiers rather than issued. Salt Flat

[browningautorifle]

Further, they were usually carried in a boot as a hold out weapon...very neat gun. Something that doesn't often surface around my area.

[Salt Flat]

Here is a picture of my no. 2 ser range 27000 with a couple of baby Russians-- Salt Flat

[browningautorifle]

The baby Russians show the design that was carried on later in the top breaks. Neat. I'm guessing they're in .44 S&W Russian?

[Salt Flat]

BAR, The baby Russians were in 38 S&W. The proper name for the revolver was "S&W 38 Single Action revolver". They somewhat resemble the larger Model 3 S&W Russian. These revolvers all had finest fit and finish to the internal parts. The mechanisms were like a bank vault door. The actions (when not abused ) are crisp and smooth. Smith and Wesson also really knew how to make springs. Salt Flat

[browningautorifle]

38 S&W...yes, I can see it now. Not much to take scale from and I'm not that familiar with them. Like I say, they aren't that common around here.