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Enfields-Revolvers-Muskets
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F319: CONFEDERATE IMPORTED PATTERN 1858 ENFIELD NAVAL RIFLE WITH MATCHING NUMBERED RAMROD: I purchased this Confederate rifle from Tim Prince of (College Hill Arsenal) and have provided a hyper-link to his original listing so you can read a detailed description. The Pattern 1858 Naval Rifle was in many respects similar to the standard Pattern 1856 rifle, but with a few minor cosmetic differences and one major performance difference. The P1858 was a brass mounted rifle, instead of iron mounted, and had the rear sling swivel attached to the front bow of the trigger guard, rather than being screwed into the toe of the stock. The P1858 retained the 1,100-yard rear sight and 33” barrel of the P1856 rifles, but the barrel was much heavier and was rifled with 5 grooves instead of the 3 used on the P1856 rifles. The heavier barrel and improved rifling pattern made the P1858 rifles more accurate than the P1856. The heavier barrel also dissipated heat more effectively, resulting in less change to the point of aim / point of impact after repeated firings. This barrel and rifling pattern were so successful that the British military adopted the heavier, 5-groove barrel for use on later production Pattern 1860 Short Rifle in 1860, superseding the earlier Pattern 1856 rifles. The gun remains in about GOOD+ to NEAR VERY GOOD condition when grading by NRA Antique Arms standards, which translates to “Confederate Very Good” due to the hard use Confederate long arms tended to see. As noted, the gun has the engraved Confederate inventory number 823 on the tang of the brass butt plate with the matching inventory number engraved on the shank of the ramrod. It is difficult to explain how incredibly rare it is to find a Confederate numbered Enfield that retains its original matching numbered ramrod. Only a very few such Enfields of all pattern survive today. As would be expected, the standard JS / {ANCHOR} inspection mark is found on the lower wrist of the stock, behind the trigger guard tang. There is also a weak {CROWN}/B/SA/T behind the trigger guard indicating that the gun was produced by a member of the Birmingham Small Arms Trade. The name of the contractor who produced the gun, Thomas Turner, is stamped in the toe line of the stock and reads T TURNER. All of the markings in the wood remain fully legible but all suffer some weakness and smearing due to wear on the stock. The rifle is clearly marked on the lock plate with the typical English {CROWN} to the rear of the hammer and TOWER / 1861 forward of the hammer. The interior of the lock is marked with a small TT (Thomas Turner) over the mainspring and with the file slash mating mark | | | on the top edge of the plate. The same mating mark appears on the necks of both the lock mounting screws and the breech plug tang screw, as well as under the barrel. The lock functions on the full cock position, but the half cock notch is damaged as is the nose of the sear, so the hammer will not hold at the half cock position. The skirt around the hammer nose is also chipped and damaged from heavy use. The lock has a mostly smooth, moderately oxidized appearance with a mottled brown and gray coloration, showing some scattered surface roughness and some light pitting. An original “Snap Cap” (percussion cone protector) is present, attached by an iron split ring to the trigger guard sling swivel and is complete with the original and correct pattern flat, teardrop shaped brass chain. The steel cone protector is in place at the end, but most of the original leather padding is missing. The markings on the lock remain deeply struck and are fully legible. The barrel of the rifle was marked with the standard Birmingham commercial provisional proof, definitive proof and view marks, as well as a pair of 25 gauge marks, indicating .577 caliber. However due to heavy oxidation and moderate pitting in the breech area from heavy use, the markings are mostly illegible. The bottom of the barrel is marked with the mating mark | | | as well as with the initials of the master contractor Thomas Turner, TT. The barrel is also marked by the Birmingham barrel maker who delivered it to Turner, BEASLEY BROS. The barrel has a thickly oxidized and untouched patina and a rich chocolate color with some tiny flecks of trace blue scattered here and there. The barrel is mostly smooth forward of the rear sight, with some scattered surface roughness and light pitting over this portion of the barrel. The breech and bolster area show moderate to heavy pitting and significant wear and erosion due to substantial use. This is the result of the extremely caustic nature of the percussion cap flash. The bolster also shows an old, brazed repair to shore it up and potentially to fill an area of blow out. The repair is very old and is typical of many of the coarse and simple repairs made to Confederate arms that saw substantial use. The percussion cone (nipple) is heavily worn, battered and damaged as well. The bore of the rifle retains the original and correct pattern 5-groove rifling, and rates about GOOD. The rifling remains visible along the entire length of the bore, although it is weak near the muzzle. The bore is heavily oxidized as well, matching the exterior of the barrel, and shows moderate pitting along its entire length. The gun lost its original rear sight at some point during its lifetime and quality reproduction Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket sight has been attached to the barrel in the correct position. The original front sight remains in place near the muzzle of the rifle. The original bayonet lug, which accepts the Pattern 1859 Type II Cutlass Bayonet, is in place on the barrel, near the muzzle. The lug is marked with the mating number 61, which would have been found stamped on the pommel cap of the cutlass bayonet that had been fit to the rifle. The gun retains both of its sling swivels, but the two screw protecting doughnuts on the ends of the Palmer patent barrel band tension screws are missing. This is not uncommon. As noted, the original Enfield short rifle ramrod is present in the channel under the barrel and is numbered to the gun. The rod is full-length but has damaged threads on the end. The brass furniture has a dull golden patina that is quite attractive. As noted, the butt plate tang is engraved with the Confederate inventory control number 823, which remains full visible, although some minor impact marks make the “8” look somewhat like a “3”. The engraving style with the flat top on the “3” makes it quite clear that the first number is in fact an “8”. The stock of the rifle rates about NEAR VERY GOOD. The stock is full-length and solid with no breaks or repairs noted. There is some wood loss behind the bolster due to “burn out”. This would be expected on any percussion rifle that shows as much erosive pitting in the breech and bolster area and matches the balance of the gun perfectly. The stock shows moderate wear with some softening of the sharp edges and hard lines but does not appear to have been sanded. There are some tiny surface chips of wood missing around the edge of the lock mortise and around the rear edge of the breech plug tang. None of this is significant or major but is mentioned for exactness. The stock shows the numerous scattered bumps, dings and impact marks from actual use and service, but no abuse or significant damage. Again, the stock wear matches the overall wear and use indicated on the balance of the gun. Overall, this is a solid and very scarce example of a real Confederate Naval contract Pattern 1858 Naval Rifle. With only about 20 CS numbered Pattern 1858 Naval Rifles known with numbers under 1,000, these are very scarce examples indeed. That fact that this gun retains its original matching numbered ramrod is almost unbelievable for a gun that saw four solid years of war. This gun can be directly tied to a specific contract, a specific blockade runner and a specific port of entry on a specific date. Rarely can that much specific information be directly attached to Civil War used long arm. The only detraction at all is the replacement rear sight and adding an original rear sight to the gun would make it 100% period and correct. This is a great Confederate gun that saw heavy use and has a really wonderful, untouched look. Rarely to real Confederate Naval Rifles appear on the market for sale, and this is a solid and very attractive example that you will be proud to own and display. Shipping & Insurance included. $9300.00
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F367. CONFEDERATE - "Q" MARKED - CAPTURED, CLEANED, REPAIRED & REISSUED 1864 TRENTON RIFLE: This is an example of an 1864 Trenton contract rifle, which was Confederate captured, cleaned, repaired, and reissued (C&R). The gun shows heavy combat use with bumps and dings, but is in good working condition with no breaks or major issues. The lock properly functions in both half & full cock positions; the nipple is period original; the barrel has original inspection marks, but the date is gone due to heavy use, and the ram-rod is original. Many captured and reissued Confederate weapons simply required a light cleaning in order to pass inspection. Others, required more extensive work. Some people think these guns should be unflawed as if original, but that is incorrect and often not the case! It is the flaws that show what work was performed to make the gun serviceable. In fact, you hope to find the repair issues! This gun has a replaced front site, as well as the barrel bands, which may be Confederate made. After completing the work, the weapon would have been tested for functionality and then approved for re-issue by an inspector and marked with their respective stamp “A, F, Q, T, Z, D” before being shipped off for issuance in the Army of Northern Virginia. On the underside, forward of the trigger tang, is stamped the letter “Q”, which is faint but visible. It is the proper size, with an oval shape and squiggly tail. On the flat side opposite the lock are the initial “F I” and on the side of the butt stock is carved a large cross, also known as a crutch cross. Shipping & Insurance included. $1995.00
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F371. WHITNEY NAVY REVOLVER - 2ND MODEL, 4TH TYPE: This is a Whitney Navy percussion revolver. The Whitney Navy was a 6-shot, .36 caliber, single action percussion revolver that was manufactured from the late 1850s through the early 1860s. Some 33,000 Whitney Navy revolvers were produced during the production run, with many seeing US government use. The US Army acquired 10,587 of the revolvers between 1861 and 1864 and the US Navy purchased an additional 6,226 between 1863 and 1865. The state of New Jersey purchased 920 Whitney Navy revolvers in 1863, but 792 of those guns were subsequently resold to the US Army in 1863 and 1864. A number of Whitney Navy revolvers also appear to have been acquired by the South and saw service during the American Civil War. Some were purchased prior to the outbreak of hostilities and many more after the conflict started. These later production guns were no doubt obtained through a combination of capturing weapons and purchasing the guns surreptitiously from secondary retailers rather than Whitney. At least two-dozen Whitney Navy revolvers are known to have been repaired for use by the 4th Virginia “Black Horse” Cavalry, and a handful of identified Whitney Navy revolvers with Confederate provenance exist was well. It is not surprising that the revolver found favor on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. This Whitney Navy revolver is all original and complete with matching numbers. The serial number "23867 A". The number is stamped on the cylinder, loading lever and underside of the barrel, and on the grips. The cylinder scene is weak but visible under magnification, and the grips are original and complete, and the action is tight and cycles best when pointed downward. Shipping & Insurance included. $1400.00
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“Z”
F379. RARE! - CONFEDERATE CAPTURED, CLEANED & REPAIRED NEW MODEL SHARPS, UNION RECAPTURED AND POST WAR CONVERTED TO .50-70 CARBINE: This is an extremely rare Civil War & Post War Sharps Carbine. It originally started as a New Model Sharps and was issued early in 1865 to union troops, was Confederate captured and went through the Clean & Repaired process, butthen Union recaptured and later converted to .50 – 70 in 1868 for Indian War use. The serial number on this gun is C19440. C19358 went to the 15th New York Cavalry and C19543 went to the 8th New York Cavalry, so it is likely this gun when to one of those two units, which where both fighting in Virginia during the advance on Richmond. This Sharps Carbine went through the Confederate C&R (clean, repair) process and has the inspection mark “Z” on the underside to the rear of the trigger tang. This mark is associated with Captain Louis Zimmer, who was involved with Confederate clean and repair operations at Richmond. It is unknown exactly what work was done on the gun during the C & R process, and I doubt the gun was ever reissued to Confederate troops as Richmond fell. The gun is in amazing condition. The barrel is marked New Model 1863 to the rear of the site with faint HARTFORD CT mark to the front. The SHARP maker mark is on the front of the lock with the correct marks on the opposite side. The barrel retains 98% + original finish and has a bright 6-grove bore, and there is a good amount of case-coloring on the gun. The stock is in near-mint condition and there is the post-war cartouche that was applied when the gun was converted to .50-70. There is a small chip on the forearm of the stock, but otherwise also near-mint. From February 1868 to October 1869, approximately 32,190 carbines were switched over to the .50-70 cartridge. The carbines were immediately sent to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments in the West. This is an amazing example of a Sharps Carbine which saw action in Virginia during the Civil War, was Confederate captured and Union recaptured, and later converted to .50-70 for Indian War Service. Shipping & Insurance included. $7700.00
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F385. RARE - CONFEDERATE HOLSTER & MARTIALLY MARKED SAVAGE NAVY REVOLVER: Confederate holsters are rare to find, and it is even more uncommon to find one for a Savage Navy Revolver. I purchased this directly from Tim Prince of (College Hill Arsenal) and just love its look! The holster is brown leather; complete with the flap, and has the complete back belt loop, but missing the retention button. It is worn at the hammer location and at the bottom where the barrel is visible. The Savage Navy revolver has an even brown patina; is missing the front site; properly cycles; has original grip which have a carved cross over the original cartouche, but does not hold in the full cock position. Shipping & Insurance included. $3900.00
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Michigan Cavalry Soldier armed with an Allen & Wheelock Revolver, Colt Carbine & Saber
F388. ALLEN & WHEELOCK CENTER HAMMER ARMY REVOLVER - 3RD VARIANT: The Allen & Wheelock Center Hammer Army percussion revolver was manufactured in rather limited quantities, with production estimated by most published arms historians at only about 700 guns. These estimates are based primarily upon the “serial numbers’ of known surviving examples. However, for a gun with production figures so low, the survival rate of the revolvers appears relatively high, leading some to assume that the “serial numbers’ were relay batch or assembly numbers and do not really indicate total production. In fact, many have long believed that the total production was likely 3 to 4 times the published estimates. No matter how many were actually produced, we do know that 536 were purchased by the Federal government in 1861. Nearly all those guns were subsequently issued to the 2nd & 3rd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry regiments. As these revolvers were purchased on the open market, they were not marked with any US military sub-inspection or final inspection marks (including cartouches), as are found on the guns acquired via official Ordnance Department contracts.
The Allen & Wheelock Army Revolver was a .44 caliber, six-shot, percussion single action revolver that had a 7-inch half-octagon/half-round barrel and a unique ratcheting loading lever that formed the trigger guard of the revolver. The revolvers had a blued finish with color case hardened hammers and loading levers/trigger guards. The grips were two-piece walnut that were usually varnished but appear to have been oil finished on some extant examples. The guns were made in three distinct variants, which help the collector to categorize and date them chronologically. The earliest guns used a complicated and fragile “hinged pawl” action. This produced a smooth action but was expensive and time consuming to produce and difficult to repair. These guns also had the hammer mounted on the screw that secured the side plate and entered through the right side of the frame. This made disassembly very difficult. The final feature of the 1st variant revolvers was that the cones (nipples) were screwed into the cylinder from the inside of the chambers; a very unconventional feature. The 2nd variant revolvers retained all the mechanical features and designs of the 1st variant but had cones (nipples) that were installed in the conventional fashion, from the rear of the cylinder. The 3rd variant revolvers used a pin that was cast into the right side of the frame to provide a pivot for the hammer to rotate on, with the screw that secured the side-plate entered from the left side of the frame. This made the revolver much easier to disassemble and repair. These guns also utilize a simplified internal action that was cheaper and easier to produce. The guns were normally marked in two lines on the left side of the octagon portion of the barrel with the name, address and patent information about the gun, however, these stampings were often quite light and as a result are usually only partially legible. Since Allen was the ultimate “cheap skate” it was not uncommon for the company to use the same dies to mark different models of guns, even if the die did not quite fit in the space where the markings were to be placed. This resulted in Allen revolvers that often have letters and/or numbers missing from the name and patent information stampings, since the die simply did not fit in the area where it was stamped. It seems fairly certain that the guns were not “serial numbered” per-se but were marked on major parts with assembly numbers. The numbers were usually placed on the left side of the frame (under the grip), on the inner surface of the loading lever, on the rear of the cylinder, on the cylinder arbor pin and inside both wooden grip panels. This gun is an 3rd variant example. It has a plum-brown patina; is fully functional; has original grips; is maker marked and an is assembly number 339. Shipping & Insurance included. $1900.00*****************************************************************************************************************************
F395. CONFEDERATE ALTERED - HARPERS FERRY 1842 MUSKET - 1845 DATED: This 1842 Harpers Ferry musket is Confederate altered to the size of a 2-band rifle, and once had a Confederate blade site. It is in attic-found condition and has not been cleaned and is all original! The stock is rough with a few splits in the stock near the left side of the barrel, but the wood is strong and not loose. The lock properly functions in both half & full cock position and is dated the same as the barrel;1845. The ramrod is originally for an 1860 Springfield rifle, but was shorten and treaded at its bottom, not just cut down. On the top of the barrel, you can see two groves for a Confederate blade site, which is long gone. There is also is saddle wear on the underside forward of the trigger guard. Shipping & Insurance is included. $995.00
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F430. LOUISIANA PURCHASED 1853 ENFIELD RIFLE – CONFEDERATE ARSENAL MODIFIED COMBAT SHOTGUN: During the Civil War, the South recovered weapons and other military items off the battlefield to be refurbished and reused. For those weapons being restored to original condition, the Clear & Repair system in Richmond was utilized. However, there was another earlier system established to convert some guns for a purpose other than originally designed. Many full-sized guns were cut-down and smoothed bored making them into shotguns to use buck & ball ammunition. Buck-and-ball was a common load use by Confederates and consisted of a large caliber lead musket ball combined with three to six buckshot pellets. This was not a post-war conversion, but done early in the war. This Enfield is one of the rare ones purchased by the State of Louisiana. These did not have serial numbers, but were stamped with a six-point star with a circle L in the center, and the mark is found on the underside of the stock to the rear of the trigger guard. The stock on this gun is cut back to the first band. The barrel is reduced to 30 1/4 inches and smooth bored, and the rear site was removed and a notch was cut for a front site. There is no rear swivel, and the lock is marked with a Crown & 1861 over TOWER and it properly function. A Louisiana surcharged Enfield is rare in any condition, and at the December show in Franklin, I saw a full-size example priced for $14,000. This is available at a much more reasonable priced. Shipping & Insurance is included. $1995.00
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F446. COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY REVOLVER – 1861: This is a Colt Model 1851 Navy Revolver; Serial Number 109757; (Manufacture Year – 1861. The serial number matches on all parts to include the cylinder, the guard, backstrap, lower received, barrel and loading lever, but not the wedge, which is 722. This number is so close that it might be a factory error. The frame looks to be factory plated indicating it may have been acquired by the Navy; this was done to protect it from salt water corrosion. The grips and all screws are original, and the gun is tight. The action properly functions and it hold both half and full cock, and cycles correctly. The Colt maker mark on the top of the barrel. The cylinder scene is all but gone and there is some gun power pitting, and the rifling is strong. Shipping & Insurance is included. $1600.00
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CONFEDERATE PURCHASED - JS-ANCHOR MARKED KERR REVOLVER
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F466. CONFEDERATE INVENTORY NUMBERED JS-ANCHOR MARKED PATTERN 1853 ENFIELD: The British Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle Musket, marked with the Confederate JS / {ANCHOR}, was one of the most iconic arms to see service with the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The stock on this gun is complete with expected bumps and dings, and has the initials “C F W” carved on the right side of the stock. There are 5 Confederate soldiers listed in the Civil War data base with these initials; however, there are no other indicators on the gun to help with a positive indentification and thus the identity of the soldiers is unknown. On the underside of the stock forward of the trigger guard is the faint outline of a Crown over something, and below that is the faint outline of the JS – ANCHOR. This mark is barely visible without proper lighting & magnification, but there it is! The lock is marked CROWN / TOWER over 1861 and properly functions, and has the original nipple protector and chain. The brass butt plate has the number 3586, but the period ramrod in unnumbered. All the metal has matching deep brown patina. Shipping & Insurance included. $6495.00
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F469. CONFEDERATE BROWN LEATHER HOLSTER & 1858 - HARTFORD COLT 1851 NAVY REVOLVER: Prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, many of the Confederate states purchased Hartford Colt 1851 Navy revolvers in preparation for hostilities. Unfortunately, Colt archive records are incomplete and it is difficult to know where many of these early guns were shipped. However, sometime they are discovered with an original Confederate brown-leather holster supporting the fact it was a Confederate carried revolver. I purchased this from Brian “Rebel Relic” Akins who told me it was discovered in Tennessee. It is a Hartford Colt 1851 Navy revolver, serial number 89744: production year 1858. It is a steel frame gun with matching serial number on all parts except the period replaced wedge and the unnumbered steel backstrap. The original grips have been period checkered with a diamond in the center on both sides. The action is soft, but properly function and holds in both half and full cock positions. The brown-leather Confederate holster is in near-mint condition and has form fitted to the revolver. It is complete with a re-enforced toe and near 100% original stitching. The flap is complete and secures to a brass stud, and the backstrap is held in place with five brass rivets. The high quality of the holster may indicate it belonged to an officer, and would be priceless if the revolver were a Griswold or other Confederate made gun. Shipping & Insurance included. $2500.00
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F472. HARTFORD COLT MODEL 1851 NAVY REVOLVER - STEEL FRAME - 1861: This is a Hartford Colt Model 1851 Navy revolver, Steel Frame, produced in 1861. The serial number 100630 is marked on all parts to include the wedge, cylinder, and frame. It has an even chocolate brown patina; properly functions; has original grip and is tight. Included is the Colt Historical letter which documents this gun was shipped on May 3, 1861 to J.P Moores Son, New York, New York in a lot of 25 guns. More then likely this revolver was carried by an officer from the state of New York. Shipping & Insurance included. $2900.00
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CLICK THE ABOVE ICON TO READ THE COMPLETE HISTORY
F491. 2ND ILLINOIS CAVALRY ISSUED & IDENTIFIED - COLT MODEL 1861 NAVY REVOLVER: This is a VERY GOOD+ to LOW FINE condition example of the scarce Colt New Model Navy Percussion Revolver, better known to collectors as the Model 1861 Navy Revolver. It has a documenting that it was shipped to the United State Navy Department; Commanding Officer; U.S. Navy Yard Boston, Massachusetts on December 20, 1861 in a lot of 200 guns. It would later be sold or transferred to the Army, and issued on 01 July, 1864 to Private Henry C. Stover; Company “C” 2nd Illinois Cavalry Regiment as documented in the Springfield records and confirmed by the 2nd Illinois Cavalry Regiment files at the National Archives.
The Model 1861 Navy was the pinnacle of Colt’s percussion revolver production and blended some of the best features of both the popular Old Model Navy (aka Model 1851) and New Model Army (aka Model 1860) revolvers into one pistol. The gun was .36 caliber, as implied by the name “Navy”, with a six chambered cylinder and had a 7 ½” round barrel. The loading lever was of the Model 1860 Army “creeping style” and for all practical purposes the front half of the revolver was a scaled down version of Model 1860 Army in .36 caliber. The rear portion of the revolver was pure “Navy” with the classic Model 1851 grip frame and grip angle, which would live for generations as the pattern for the grip design of the classic Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army.
The Model 1861 Navy was more streamlined than the earlier Model 1851 variant and the new loading lever was a significant improvement over the older toggle action design. While the revolvers were not purchased in huge numbers by the US government during the American Civil War, they did serve in reasonably large numbers, proportional to their production. Only 38,843 of the pistols were produced during its production run from 1861 to 1873, with less than 28,000 being manufactured before the end of 1865. Most sources place US government purchases at about 2,000 guns, but based upon recorded serial number data, more were purchased on the open market, as well as by the various states and by individual soldiers.
According to the Springfield Research Service serial number record books, several Model 1861 Navy revolvers were reported in the hands of troopers from Companies F & L, 13th Illinois Cavalry during 1864. These guns are scattered in the serial number ranges of 2496 – 4324, 7636 – 12482 and 16001 – 16236. Model 1861 Navy revolvers also show up in the records of the 2nd Illinois Cavalry (Companies C & D, scattered from 4255 – 7709), the 9th Illinois Cavalry (Company D) and the 10th Illinois Cavalry (Company B). Colt Model 1861 Navy revolvers are also listed among the small arms issued to Company L of the 2nd KY Cavalry (US), and Company E of the 11th Ohio Cavalry. The members of Company M, 1st Arkansas Cavalry privately purchased a handful of the pistols as well. This wide range of serial numbers and issue of the pistols clearly indicates that many more of the revolvers were purchased by the states and saw use during the war than the 2,000 Ordnance Department purchased and inspected revolvers.
The fact that a minimum of three Illinois Volunteer cavalry regiments were at least partially armed with the revolvers suggests that Illinois may have made a significant purchase of the revolvers directly from Colt or other sources such as the U. S. Navy or Ordnance Department. At least one delivery of 50 “New Model” Navy revolvers to the state of Illinois is contained within surviving Colt documents.
This Colt New Model 1861 Navy Revolver is in VERY GOOD+ to LOW FINE condition and is serial number 4403, placing its production in 1861 with all serial numbers matching to include the wedge. The grips are tight to the backstrap and no doubt are original and will have an ink numbered with the last three digits of the serial number inside the backstrap cut out.
The lower left front of the frame reads COLT’S / PATENT, and the side of the cylinder is marked COLT’S PATENT No 4403. The naval battle scene roll engraved on the cylinder is worn, but visible, and the top of the 7 1/2” round barrel is marked with the standard one-line New York address:
— ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW – YORK U. S. AMERICA —
The gun does not bear any government inspector marks; however, the lack of these markings does not in any way mean that the gun did not see Civil War service. As noted, the Colt letter documents its shipment the U. S. Navy, and the Springfield records and files at the National Archives documents its use by Private Henry C. Stover; Company “C” 2nd Illinois Cavalry Regiment as discussed above.
The gun is tight and essentially untouched except for the replaced screw above the wedge, and is basically a plum-brown gun. It shows scattered freckles of oxidation and darkening here and there and some freckled areas of minor surface roughness, with some pinpricking and light pitting around the muzzle and of course on the face and rear of the cylinder. The frame has more of a mottled gray patina, which is lighter than the plum brown tone that is prevalent on the barrel and cylinder.
The cylinder retains about 65%+ of the Ormsby roll engraved Republic of Texas vs. the Mexican Navy battle scene. The cylinder retains all six original cones (nipples), and most of the safety pins are present on the rear of the cylinder.
The bore of the pistol rates about VERY FINE++. It is partly bright, with sharp rifling. The pistol is in FINE mechanical condition and functions as it should. The revolver times, indexes and locks up correctly and the action retains a nice, crisp feel to it. The brass frame has an attractive golden color. There is no silver-plated finish on the grip frame and was probably never plated. The gun was likely produced with the “military finish” which included a lower level of polish to the metal resulting in a duller blue, skipped the silver-plating process for the brass parts and utilized oil finished, rather than varnished wood grips. The one-piece walnut grip is in about VERY GOOD++ condition and is free of any breaks, cracks, or repairs. The edges remain crisp but the lower right leading edge does show a small missing chip.
Overall, this is a relatively crisp, well-marked and mechanically fine example of one of the less commonly encountered Colt revolvers from the American Civil War period. With less than 39,000 produced, and less than 28,000 of them produced before the end of 1865, these guns can be hard to find compared to the approximately 200,000 Colt Model 1860 Army revolvers and approximately 215,000 Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers produced. The 1861 Navy production only equaled about 19% of Colt 1860 Army production and 17% of Colt 1851 Navy production. As such, they are about five times rarer than the more commonly encountered Colts of the era. By that logic, the guns should be five times as valuable as their more numerous brethren! This is a very nice example that presents well and has a nice, honest, and attractive appearance. The gun will be a wonderful addition to your collection of Civil War era secondary martial revolvers and is a gun you will really enjoy displaying with your collection.
Henry C. Stover was from Bath Illinois and enlisted on 31 July 1861 as a Private, and on 12 August 1861 mustered into Company “C” Illinois 2nd Cavalry. His Muster Cards show he was present with Company “C” Illinois 2nd Cavalry July 1861 to April 1863; Detailed as an Orderly for Colonel Keppner, Memphis Tennessee May 1863 to Dec 1863; Detached service Fort Pickering – 3rd Regiment, United States Colored Heavy Artillery (1st Tennessee Heavy Artillery) Nov to Dec 1863; mustered out 1 Jan 1864 and discharged in order to reenlistment to continue service as Orderly for Colonel Keppner, Memphis Tennessee until April 1864. In May 1864, Stover returns to Company “C” Illinois 2nd Cavalry to June 1865; after which he is listed as a deserter in August 1865; but later Mustered Out in November, 1865 while in San Antonio Texas. A review on his pension file shows he sustained two line-of-duty injuries: 1 April, 1862 he was kicked in the head by his horse, which led to the loss of hearing and his left eye, and on 2 November 1862, at Bolivar Tennessee, his great (large) toe was shot off in battle while guarding a forage train. Included is the original Colt letter, a copy of the Springfield records, and a history binder complete with copies of the soldier’s muster sheets and pension file. Shipping & Insurance included. $4800.00
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F493. 4TH MODEL TRANTER REVOLVER: This is a Tranter Patent 4th Model, single trigger percussion revolver. The 4th Model Tranter revolver, which were introduced in 1856, used a single trigger and had what would today be called a conventional “double action” lock. It had a 6-inch barrel with a .54 caliber bore; a 5-round cylinder; and a one-piece checkered walnut grip. Dating Tranter revolvers based upon their serial numbers is somewhat problematic, as frames were sometime produced in advance and the guns completed at a later date. What we do know is that the “T” serial number suffix came into use around serial number 2200, sometime between 1854 and 1856. Most of the New Orleans retailer marked Tranters appear in the 8,XXX to 11,XXXT-suffix range and are most likely from the 1856-1860 production period.
This revolver is in very nice condition and is serial number 9769 T, which falls within the New Orleans retailer range. It is complete and properly functions with near-perfect grips with a small chip at the top on the right side. The bore has strong rifling and it is London retailer marked on the top and Tranter marked on the frame and loading lever. Overall, this is an attractive example of a large frame 54-bore 4th Model Tranter percussion revolver. The gun is 100% complete and original in every way. If you have been wanting to add a very nice condition Civil War era Tranter revolver to your collection, this revolver offers the opportunity to purchase a likely Confederate imported gun. $2800.00
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F496. REMINGTON NEW MODEL REVOLVER: This is a Remington New Model Revolver, serial number 18690, which was produced April 1863. It has a faint government martially stamped cartouche on the right-side grip and sub inspection marks on the frame, and its serial number falls between 18374 issued in 1864 to Company D 10th Ohio Vol Cav and 18987 issued in 1864 to Company I 4th Wisc Vol Cav. There is little doubt this gun was issued and saw action, but the unit is unknow. The gun surfaced in Illinois which might make it a Wisconsin gun. It is fully functional and holds both half & full cock and its timing is correct. The metal has a gray-brown patina with traced on original blue on the underside of the barrel. The grips are tight and have never been removed, ands all screws are original. Shipping & Insurance included. $1900.00
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F497. SAVAGE NAVY REVOLVER - MARTIALLY MARKS: The Savage “Navy” self-cocking revolver is one of the weirdest, and possibly most ungainly handguns of the Civil War era, but also has one of the most recognizable profiles. The .36 caliber, 6-shot revolver had a 7” octagonal barrel and an innovative ring-cocking action and a moving gas seal cylinder. The gun featured a unique ring-shaped cocking lever inside the heart shaped trigger guard, which was used to advance the cylinder and cock the hammer. The shooter could then fire the gun with the traditional trigger. The gun was the final version of a family of self-cocking revolvers that were built upon the “Figure-8” design of JS North. Beyond its unique action, the gun was revolutionary in that was a “gas seal” revolver. The cylinder moved forward when the action cocked, and a recess in the chamber mouth engaged the tapered forcing cone at the rear of the barrel. The effect was a gas seal between the chamber and the barrel, which practically eliminated the loss of gas and pressure from the usual gap between the barrel and cylinder. This meant that the gas created from the ignition of the powder charge was more effectively converted into propulsion for the bullet. This increased the velocity of the bullet for a given powder charge over convectional revolver designs, which allowed much of the propulsive force to escape in the space between the cylinder and the barrel. With the coming of the Civil War, the need for revolvers outweighed any misgivings that the military may have had about the design, and the coveted contracts were almost immediately forthcoming. The state of Massachusetts procured 285 of the Savage revolvers early in the conflict. Additional arms were sold to military outfitters and New York based arms retailers like Schuyler, Hartley & Graham and William Syms & Brothers. Both of these companies sold Savage Navy revolvers to the US government during early 1862, for as much as $25 per gun. The Savage Revolving Firearms Company secured its first official US military contract directly with the US government on October 16, 1861. This contract called for Savage to deliver 5,000 pistols between October 1861 and March 1862 at the price of $20 per revolver. Another contract was received from the government in November of 1861 to supply an additional 5,000 revolvers, at $20 each, between November 1861 and May of 1862. Savage completed their initial contract in a timely fashion, but had trouble delivering the guns for the second contract on the agreed to schedule. The second contract was temporarily voided by the Ordnance Department, but after negotiating with Savage, an agreement was reached where the 4,500 guns from that contract would be delivered at the lower rate of $19.00 per pistol. The deliveries under the second contract were completed by July of 1862. Of the approximately 20,000 Savage “Navy” models produced during the Civil War, the US Ordnance Department took delivery of 11,384 of the guns, and the Navy took delivery of 1,126. The balance of approximately 8,500 guns were offered for civilian sale. The pistols saw significant field service during the war, and were issued to at least twenty-six different US cavalry regiments and were listed among the arms of some half dozen or more Confederate cavalry regiments. US volunteer cavalry regiments that were issued Savage Navy revolvers included the 6th, 10th & 13th Illinois, the 5th & 15th Kansas, 11th Kentucky, the 3rd, 4th & 7th Missouri, 7th New York 3rd Ohio, 7th Pennsylvania, 1st & 2nd Wisconsin, 1st Vermont and the Potomac Brigade. The revolvers were also issued to the 1st through 9th Missouri State Militia Cavalry. The two regiments who carried the most Savages on their ordnance rolls were the 4th Missouri State Militia Cavalry with 714 and the 2nd Wisconsin with 400.
This example of the Savage Revolving Firearms Company “Navy” Revolver is in GREAT condition overall. It is an extremely crisp and tight; 100% complete and correct; retains all original nipples; has a light brown-gray patina; and an outstanding set of original martially inspected grips that are correct and fit tight to the gun. These .36 caliber, six shot revolvers also had a reputation for being very temperamental mechanically, and finding one that is in perfect mechanical working order today is quite difficult. This pistol is mechanically excellent and functions exactly as it should in every way. As is typical of Savage Navy revolvers, the gun is serial numbered on the frame, under the grips and on the barrel under the loading lever. In this case, the serial number on the rearward portion of the right grip frame, under the right grip is 673. The matching serial number 673 is present on the bottom of the barrel. The top strap of the revolver is clearly marked in three lines: SAVAGE R.F.A. Co. MIDDLETOWN, CT / H.S. NORTH PATENTED JUNE 17 1856 / JANUARY 10 1859. MAY 15 1860. The markings are often light on these revolvers, so it is nice to see one where it is deep, crisp, and very clear. This revolver was recently discovered in Illinois and is fresh to the market. Shipping & Insurance is included. $2700.00
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F498. SAVAGE NAVY REVOLVER - MARTIALLY MARKS: The Savage “Navy” self-cocking revolver is one of the weirdest, and possibly most ungainly handguns of the Civil War era, but also has one of the most recognizable profiles. The .36 caliber, 6-shot revolver had a 7” octagonal barrel and an innovative ring-cocking action and a moving gas seal cylinder. The gun featured a unique ring-shaped cocking lever inside the heart shaped trigger guard, which was used to advance the cylinder and cock the hammer. The shooter could then fire the gun with the traditional trigger. The gun was the final version of a family of self-cocking revolvers that were built upon the “Figure-8” design of JS North. Beyond its unique action, the gun was revolutionary in that was a “gas seal” revolver. The cylinder moved forward when the action cocked, and a recess in the chamber mouth engaged the tapered forcing cone at the rear of the barrel. The effect was a gas seal between the chamber and the barrel, which practically eliminated the loss of gas and pressure from the usual gap between the barrel and cylinder. This meant that the gas created from the ignition of the powder charge was more effectively converted into propulsion for the bullet. This increased the velocity of the bullet for a given powder charge over convectional revolver designs, which allowed much of the propulsive force to escape in the space between the cylinder and the barrel. With the coming of the Civil War, the need for revolvers outweighed any misgivings that the military may have had about the design, and the coveted contracts were almost immediately forthcoming. The state of Massachusetts procured 285 of the Savage revolvers early in the conflict. Additional arms were sold to military outfitters and New York based arms retailers like Schuyler, Hartley & Graham and William Syms & Brothers. Both of these companies sold Savage Navy revolvers to the US government during early 1862, for as much as $25 per gun. The Savage Revolving Firearms Company secured its first official US military contract directly with the US government on October 16, 1861. This contract called for Savage to deliver 5,000 pistols between October 1861 and March 1862 at the price of $20 per revolver. Another contract was received from the government in November of 1861 to supply an additional 5,000 revolvers, at $20 each, between November 1861 and May of 1862. Savage completed their initial contract in a timely fashion, but had trouble delivering the guns for the second contract on the agreed to schedule. The second contract was temporarily voided by the Ordnance Department, but after negotiating with Savage, an agreement was reached where the 4,500 guns from that contract would be delivered at the lower rate of $19.00 per pistol. The deliveries under the second contract were completed by July of 1862. Of the approximately 20,000 Savage “Navy” models produced during the Civil War, the US Ordnance Department took delivery of 11,384 of the guns, and the Navy took delivery of 1,126. The balance of approximately 8,500 guns were offered for civilian sale. The pistols saw significant field service during the war, and were issued to at least twenty-six different US cavalry regiments and were listed among the arms of some half dozen or more Confederate cavalry regiments. US volunteer cavalry regiments that were issued Savage Navy revolvers included the 6th, 10th & 13th Illinois, the 5th & 15th Kansas, 11th Kentucky, the 3rd, 4th & 7th Missouri, 7th New York 3rd Ohio, 7th Pennsylvania, 1st & 2nd Wisconsin, 1st Vermont and the Potomac Brigade. The revolvers were also issued to the 1st through 9th Missouri State Militia Cavalry. The two regiments who carried the most Savages on their ordnance rolls were the 4th Missouri State Militia Cavalry with 714 and the 2nd Wisconsin with 400.
This example of the Savage Revolving Firearms Company “Navy” Revolver is in GREAT condition overall. It is an extremely crisp and tight; 100% complete and correct; retains all original nipples; has a light brown-gray patina; and an outstanding set of original martially inspected grips that are correct and fit tight to the gun. These .36 caliber, six shot revolvers also had a reputation for being very temperamental mechanically, and finding one that is in perfect mechanical working order today is quite difficult. This pistol is mechanically excellent and functions exactly as it should in every way. As is typical of Savage Navy revolvers, the gun is serial numbered on the frame, under the grips and on the barrel under the loading lever. In this case, the serial number on the rearward portion of the right grip frame, under the right grip is 13607. The matching serial number 673 is present on the bottom of the barrel. The top strap of the revolver is clearly marked in three lines: SAVAGE R.F.A. Co. MIDDLETOWN, CT / H.S. NORTH PATENTED JUNE 17 1856 / JANUARY 10 1859. MAY 15 1860. The markings are often light on these revolvers, so it is nice to see one where it is deep, crisp, and very clear. This revolver was recently discovered in Illinois and is fresh to the market. Shipping & Insurance is included. $2700.00
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F500. CONFEDERATE CAPTURED & CARRIED STAR CARBINE: About 20,000 Starr percussion Carbines in .54 Caliber were bought by the Union during the Civil War, most of which were issued to Western troops. This weapon has a dropping breach, similar in action to the Sharps, and was rated as better in government tests, and was produced by the Starr Arms Company located in Yonkers, NY. They had a brass buttplate and barrel band, and the iron parts were blued with case – hardened lock and frame. They were all serial numbered with the lock marked STARR ARMS CO/ YONKERS. N.Y. The barrel is stamped STARR ARMS CO YONKERS, N.Y and the breech is stamped STARR’S PATENT / SEPT. 14th 1858. This is serial number 8292, which is close in range to the guns issued to the 3rd Arkansas cavalry (USA). However, there are several carvings on the gun that indicated it was Confederate captured and carried by a Southern cavalry soldier. The walnut stock has normal nicks and scratches seen with a carried gun and a brown patina, but there are several carvings commonly associated with the Confederacy: three Confederate flags carved into the left cheek stock, one with 6 stars, and there is an additional Confederate flag carved forward of the trigger. Additionally, there are three different sets of initials: “J S” “I M” and “B B B.” The initials "J S" are faint, with the S carved in reverse, and an unknown carving before these initials. On the opposite side are the initials “I M” and “B B B.” The Arkansas 1st Cavalry (Confederate) did have soldiers with these initials, but a positive identification is extremely difficult without more information. The bore is bright with strong rifling, and the action is mechanically perfect. Shipping & Insurance included. $2300.00
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