Excellent Condition Antique Claudin Brevete’ Retailer Marked Smith & Wesson Model No.2 Old Model Revolver

This is an antique Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Old model Single Action Revolver a.k.a. Model No.2 Army that was retailed through Claudin Brevete in Paris France. This has a 6” octagon barrel with the barrel address on the top rib reading “SMITH & WESSON. SPRINGFIELD. MASS.”. The left of the barrel reads “Claudin Brevete a Paris” this was a major firearms retailer in Paris in the mid to late 1800’s. The right of the barrel reads “Boulevart des Italiens 38” which happened to be the address of the Claudin Brevete shop. The non-fluted cylinder will hold 6 rounds of .32 rimfire and read “PATENTED APRIL 3, 1855, JULY 5, 1859 & DEC 18, 1860”.  This revolver retains around 80% original finish. The rosewood grips are in excellent condition with some very light handling dings and are a serial numbers match to the gun. Mechanically in excellent condition with perfect timing and lockup. The barrel latch is tight with zero play.  
The Model No.2 saw a total production of 77155 from 1861 to 1874.  Although not officially adopted by the U.S. Army many Civil War soldiers purchased these revolvers on their own. The self contained cartridge was a new concept and gave a substantial advantage in loading time over the percussion revolvers of the day. These were the second reliable cartridge revolvers to be produced behind the Smith & Wesson Model No.1 and they helped to build Smith & Wesson into one of the leading firearms manufacturers that are still in business today. James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok was carrying one of these the night he was shot dead in Deadwood, Dakota Territory in August of 1874. These Smith & Wesson No.2 Old Models are a very important piece of firearms history and would make a beautiful addition to any serious antique collection. 
This is an antique so no PAL is required for purchase. Buyer must be 18 and able to prove it. Shipping is available at buyers expense. All used firearms should be inspected by a competent gunsmith prior to any form of use.