Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: No. 2 Old Army Tip-Up Revolver
Serial Number: 5090
Year of Manufacture: 1862
Caliber: .32 Rimfire Long
Action Type: Single Action 6 Shot Revolver with Tip-Up Barrel
Barrel Length: 6"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded German silver blade fixed to the top of the barrel's rib. The rear sight is shallow "V" notch in the rear of the cylinder stop tab, pinned to the topstrap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth rosewood on a flared square butt grip frame. The inside of the right panel is stamped "5090". The grips have light handling wear with a few nicks and scratches. The finish is generally strong with some wear on the bottoms. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Fine overall condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is scattered light erosion and a few spots of pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6-7/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with some areas having a slight plum hue. There are some minor nicks and little scratches. There are a few spots of faint erosion under the finish with slightly more notable erosion on the front of the cylinder. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The action shows light operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads have some light wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in Fine-plus condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Smith & Wesson letter indicating that the revolver shipped June 10, 1862 to Joseph W. Storrs in New York, NY in a shipment of 24 guns of the same type and information about Lieutenant Thomas W. Ripley.
Our Assessment: This is a Smith & Wesson No.2 "Old Army" tip-up revolver chambered in .32 Rimfire Long, a blackpowder round. When Smith & Wesson began making revolvers in 1857, they named the first model No. 1 and the second No. 2, with the No.1 chambered in .22 Rimfire and the No. 2 in .32 Rimfire. The No. 1 was a pocket pistol, while the No. 2, brought out in 1861, was a full-sized pistol with a larger square grip. The No. 2 was a popular Civil War sidearm, but was never purchased by the army on either side. George Custer owned two and Wild Bill Hickok was wearing one when he was killed.
This revolver was produced in 1862 and has an inscription on the backstrap "Presented to Lieut. Ripley, Co. F. 34th / Reg. Mass. V. by his Company". Included documents would indicate this pistol was presented to Lieutenant Thomas W. Ripley, previously a Major in the Greenfield Militia, who was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in August 1862 with Co. F of the 34th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, promoted to 1st Lt. in July of 1863. During Ripley's service, the 34th engaged in a few battles including Cedar Creek and the battle of Piedmont, VA where Ripley was wounded. He would muster out on the 16th of June, 1865 in Richmond, VA.
His revolver has been refinished, so it looks great for its age. The work was quite well done with all markings still clear and the revolver retains serial-matching grips. This is a wonderful find for both Smith & Wesson collectors and those interested in Civil War-era arms. It may also be of special interest to residents of the Bay State, especially if you have a long family history in Greenfield. Please see our photos and good luck!
