May 23rd 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2015
The Rogers & Spencer revolvers were manufactured in 1865 in Willow Dale, New York of which approximately 5,800 were made, 5,000 of which were martially marked. The first 1,500 were delivered to the military in April of 1865 and the balance by September of 1865, none of which have ever been recorded as having been issued, at which time the bulk of the guns were sold to the Francis Bannerman Co. to be subsequently sold to the open market through their mail-order catalog. Standard features include 7-1/2" octagon barrel, six shot, .44 caliber, single action, percussion, with blued finish, case colored hammer and lever, and two piece walnut grips. This example is standard in all respects. It has the military inspector "B" on frame and barrel. Matching serial number found on lever, barrel, frame, and cylinder. There is a perfect cartouche on left grip. Single action only. Operates perfectly with a tight lock up and near mint bore. The barrel retains approximately 20% original high polish factory blue with balance turning plum. Cylinder has traces of original blue with the majority being a smooth plum finish. The frame retains approximately 70% of the high polish factory blue with usual flaking. Grips are excellent with no cracks and just average bumps and dents. Traces of color on lever. Overall, an extremely fine early percussion single action .44.