3300

Rare Smith & Wesson No. 2 Lever Action Repeating Pistol

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:4,750.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Rare Smith & Wesson No. 2 Lever Action Repeating Pistol
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Estimate: $9500 - 16000
No. 2 lever action repeating pistol manufactured by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut, circa 1854-55. Total production of the No.2 lever action repeating pistol is estimated at fewer than 500 pistols. The pistol has a half-octagon/half-round barrel with integral magazine. A screw-fastened rear sight is mounted on the top of the frame. The top and sides of the steel frame and the back strap are engraved with simple, open, scroll work. The hammer has a knurled spur. The loading lever has a round finger hole but lacks the spur found on some No. 2 Lever Action pistols. The pistol has two-piece, walnut, grips with a flat, flared butt. The top barrel flat is roll stamped; "PATENT/FEB.14.1854" followed by "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH. CT." and "CAST STEEL". Predecessor to the Volcanic, Henry and Winchester lever action rifles, the Smith & Wesson lever action repeating pistols are historically significant as the first practical repeating magazine firearm to utilize a self-contained cartridge. Examples of these rare pistols are highly desirable and hard to obtain.
BBL: 8 inch
Stock:
Gauge: 41 Volcanic
Finish: brown
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Good as restored. The barrel and receiver have an even, plum brown patina. The surfaces of the barrel and receiver are generally smooth with one small area of pitting on the right side of the magazine. The barrel edges are sharp and the markings are crisp. The engraving on the receiver and back strap is sharp. The pistol has some professional restoration: the receiver screws are replacements, the finger lever has been carefully re-welded and the cartridge follower, barrel collar and extension have been replaced. The two-piece grips are in good condition with moderate handling wear and several minor chips on the left grip. This is a solid representative example of a rare and historically significant Smith & Wesson No. 2 lever action repeating pistol.