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LOT 1123
Attractive Cased Silver Plated Civil War Era Tiffany & Co. Style Etched Smith & Wesson
No. 2 “Old Army” Spur Trigger Revolver Inscribed to A.S. Sweet with Ivory Grips - Serial
no. 20824, 32 RF cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., silver finish, antique ivory grips. Manufactured c.
1863, this is a very attractive example of a Civil War era Smith & Wesson No. 2 “Old Army”
revolver, that features the extremely desirable and elaborate etching throughout that is often
associated with the iconic American retailer Tiffany & Co. Using a metallic cartridge, these
“Old Army” revolvers were one of the most advanced handguns of the period and were a
very popular, privately purchased sidearm by soldiers for use during the Civil War. Not only
were the revolvers a popular item among the soldiers themselves, but also among friends
and family of those heading off to war, looking to present them a parting gift that might also
help to bring them home safely. This revolver’s serial number places its date of manufacture in
likely the first half of 1863, making it a prime candidate for a Civil War sidearm. This particular
revolver, with its extensive embellishment, certainly shows all the signs of having been
purchased and presented as a parting gift, as well as quite possibly carried and used during
the war, given its condition. The revolver shows the extremely attractive and desirable floral
and vine etching patterns on the majority of the frame, cylinder, and barrel, with the barrel
also having stands of arms with liberty caps on both sides.
The top of the barrel rib is marked with the one-line address and the patent date marking
is in a ribbon on the cylinder. The serial number is marked on the butt, while the matching
assembly number “229” is marked on the left of the grip frame, front face of the cylinder, and
rear face of the barrel lug. The butt is lightly inscribed with the name “A.S. Sweet”, who could
not be definitively identified at this time, but returns many possible matches to Civil War
soldiers among the muster rolls. It is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, notch rear
sight on top of the cylinder latch, and a pair of very attractive, antique ivory grips. Includes a
later production hardwood case fitted for the revolver.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining faint traces of the original silver finish with the balance mostly a
smooth grey patina, typical of a presentation pistol carried to war, a few scattered patches
of light pitting, and the etching remaining well-defined. The grips are also fine with a few
short hairline cracks around the screw bolsters and a few scattered light scratches and nicks,
showing an attractively aged tone overall. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with a thin
crack in the lid, loose hinge, and otherwise light wear. A fantastic, Tiffany style acid etched “Old
Army” revolver that was quite possibly presented during the Civil War and carried during it!
Estimate: 7,000 - 9,000
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