This is a desirable example of a rare factory cased and engraved S&W Large Frame Lever Action Pistol. This early production, Type I, pistol has a .41 caliber, eight-inch, part-round barrel with integral 10-shot magazine. The barrel has a flat muzzle, flat magazine spring, 'clam shell' shaped follower and brass pinch-back front sight. The pistol has the early style, loading lever with finger spur and Type I carrier with single lever screw. The receiver has a screw-fastened, L-shaped, rear sight. The hammer has hand-cut knurling on the spur. The pistol has two-piece, rosewood grips with a flared butt. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH CT." in two lines on the right center. "CAST STEEL" is roll-stamped on the left side of the top barrel flat toward the muzzle and "PATENT" is stamped on the left side of the top flat near the receiver. The serial number, "42", is visible on the back face of the rear sight and on the left side of the frame beneath the grips. "42" is written in pencil on the inside of both grips. The sides, top and rear of the receiver, side plates and back of the hammer are decorated with standard factory scroll and leaf engraving. The barrel and magazine are browned. The receiver, side plates, grip straps and lever are a high polish blue. The bolt, rear sight and carrier are niter blue. The hammer is color casehardened. The flared rosewood grips have a high polish piano finish. The pistol is complete with a rare factory pine case with four compartments. The case is lined with deep purple velvet and contains a steel cleaning rod. This pistol and case are illustrated on page 89 of "VOLCANIC FIREARMS" by Lewis & Rutter and described as: "An early large frame S&W pistol with lever spur, serial number 42, in a period pine casing. The Type I pistol is in superb condition". S&W manufactured fewer than 500 No. 2, large frame lever action pistols c. 1854-55.

Exceptionally fine. This rare pistol retains 80% of the brown finish. 75% of the brown finish on the barrel with thinning on the muzzle collar and high points. The brown finish has faded to a very attractive plum-color with brighter brown in the flute between the barrel and magazine. The markings on the top flat are sharp. The frame shows a post-period refinish and a gouge repair on left forward area and a smooth dove gray patina on the back strap and rear edges of the lower receiver. Small amounts of blue are present on protected areas of the lever. Significant amounts of fire blue finish remain on the rear sight, bolt and carrier. The hammer retains nearly all of the original case colors. The grips are in very fine condition with a few scattered handling marks. 90% of the high polish piano finish remains. The simple but well-executed scroll and leaf engraving is crisp. The factory case is in very fine condition. The case exterior retains most of the original finish wit a few scattered and very insignificant handling marks. The case interior remains in very fine condition. The deep purple velvet lining is bright and clean. Wear on the case interior is limited to some light compression marks from contact with the pistol barrel, receiver and grip heel. This is a superb example of a rare and historically significant factory cased and engraved S&W No. 2 Lever Action pistol. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.