3/11/25 - This is a nice example of a Japanese-contract Smith & Wesson No 2 Old Army revolver from the 1860's-1870's. 6 inch barrel and chambered in .32 Caliber. As a result of the "Meiji Restoration" that ended the Tokugawa shogunate and returned power to the Emperor, the country began a period of "Enlightened Rule." Japan ended its long isolation, and began a policy of modernization across all aspects of life. This of course included the military, and they began to import larger numbers of small arms, as their domestic arms production industry was only in its infancy. These came from all over the world, which of course would include the large industrial capacity of the United States. This one has a series of Japanese characters on the right side of the frame. There is some original bluing remaining, but it is mostly worn overall. There is spotty oxidation and somewhat scratchy wear throughout. Fitted with excellent wood grips. Mint bore. Fully functional. No FFL required.
