Incredible Presentation Cased Pair of Deluxe Engraved, Silver Plated Smith & Wesson No. 2 "Old Army" Spur Trigger Revolvers with Factory Letter

A remarkable collector-grade pair of Smith & Wesson No. 2 “Old Army” revolvers, manufactured circa late 1870 to early 1871, presented with deluxe matching engraving, factory-letter provenance, and a fitted presentation case. With documented shipment history, exhibition-quality embellishment, and strong ties to Smith & Wesson’s early metallic-cartridge era, this cased pair offers exceptional historical and collectible appeal.

• Manufactured circa late 1870 to early 1871
• Deluxe engraved, presentation-cased pair of Smith & Wesson No. 2 revolvers, also known as the “Old Army”
• Historically important model:
  • First introduced in 1861
  • Represented the height of metallic-cartridge revolver technology of its day
  • Built during the era of Rollin White’s bored-through cylinder patent, held by Smith & Wesson
  • The bored-through cylinder design allowed the use of metallic cartridges, a major advancement over percussion revolvers
  • First Smith & Wesson revolver produced in a caliber larger than .22
• Strong Civil War and frontier-era significance:
  • Smith & Wesson’s earlier .22 revolvers and the larger No. 2 “Old Army” remained dominant in the market for years
  • Their market strength was aided by Smith & Wesson and Rollin White actively defending the bored-through cylinder patent against infringement
  • No. 2 revolvers were highly valued during the Civil War and privately purchased in large numbers for use as sidearms
  • Also popular with those moving westward to the frontier, who prized the advantage of a quickly and easily reloadable revolver
• Accompanied by two Smith & Wesson factory letters:
  • One factory letter dated 2006
  • One factory letter dated 2015
  • Both letters confirm the revolvers were part of a shipment to M.W. Robinson Co. in New York
  • M.W. Robinson Co. was Smith & Wesson’s largest distributor at the time
  • Shipment date: 27 January 1871
• Factory-letter details add notable provenance and collector interest:
  • The 2006 letter states the shipment included 51 No. 2 revolvers
  • The 2015 letter states the shipment included 55 No. 2 revolvers
  • Both letters agree the shipment contained a variety of No. 2 configurations, including many with deluxe finishes and engraving
  • The 2006 letter mentions two revolvers with “plated breech”
  • The 2015 letter mentions two revolvers with “two tone finish” and ivory grips
  • These references likely relate to this pair
  • The 2006 letter further notes the shipment was a “house cleaning” of No. 2 inventory
• Beautiful matching deluxe engraving on both revolvers:
  • Exhibition-quality vine-like scroll engraving
  • Engraving style is typical of the masterful work by Young
  • Approximately 75% of the surfaces are engraved
  • Most scrollwork is set against a punchdot, or finely stippled, background for added depth and contrast
• Engraved areas include:
  • Sides of the frames
  • Sides of the barrels at the breech
  • Sides of the muzzles
  • Cylinders
  • Back straps
  • Butts
• Standard markings and identifying details:
  • Both revolvers have the standard Smith & Wesson address on top of the barrel rib
  • Both have patent dates in a band partially around the cylinder
  • Each revolver has its matching serial number marked on the butt and inside the right grip panel
• “A” revolver assembly markings:
  • Assembly number “.6” on the left side of the grip frame
  • Matching “.6” on the front face of the cylinder
  • Matching “.6” on the rear face of the barrel lug
• “B” revolver assembly markings:
  • Assembly number “J1” on the left side of the grip frame
  • Matching “J1” on the front face of the cylinder
  • Matching “J1” on the rear face of the barrel lug
• Sighting equipment:
  • German silver blade front sight on each revolver
  • Notch rear sight positioned on top of the cylinder stop
• Grips:
  • Each revolver is fitted with smooth rosewood grips
• Included presentation case and accessories:
  • Hardwood case fitted for both revolvers
  • Blank brass presentation plaque inlaid in the lid
  • Light blue velvet-lined interior
  • Multiple additional small compartments
  • Includes key
  • Includes cleaning rod
  • Includes small glass oil bottle
• Collector appeal:
  • Documented factory shipment to a major 19th-century Smith & Wesson distributor
  • Rare and desirable cased pair configuration
  • Matching deluxe engraving on both revolvers
  • Strong association with Smith & Wesson’s early metallic-cartridge innovation
  • Significant Civil War and frontier-era model history
  • Presentation-style casing and accessories enhance display value and long-term desirability for advanced collectors