December 13-15, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2022
Manufactured circa 1861 with an estimated production of only 300 produced. 4" octagon barrel in .32 Short Rimfire with dovetailed blade front sight and hammer notch rear sight. Top barrel flat faintly marked with Bacon Manufacturing Company Norwich Connecticut barrel address. Factory engraved with rose vine scroll on either side of frame near hammer as well as on backstrap with accented wrigglework borders. 2 piece plain ivory grips. Inscribed in script on butt "Presented to Joe Nickerson by G.G.N., J.A.S., and L.H." The consignor identifies Nickerson as Joseph Nickerson, listed also as Joseph Nicholson, and J.P. Nicholson, of Co. H 38th Virginia in the Civil War. He was from Madison County, VA, drafted into the Confederate army April 29, 1864, assigned to the 38th Virginia May 5, and deserted from Hanover Junction around May 30. He seems, however, to have returned to the ranks, being listed as captured by Federal forces at the battle of Five Forks April 2, 1865, and released in June upon taking the oath of allegiance. Those presenting the pistol are unidentified. Five men named Joseph Nickerson served in the Union army, including an officer in the 11th CT, who served from September 1861 to October 1864, rising from sergeant to captain, and perhaps carrying such a sidearm. CONDITION: Good, with virtually all of the original finish turned a cleaned gray patina with areas of minor freckling. Engraving is easily visible and full present. Grips are very good with minor cracks near left screw escutcheon and minor age related yellowing. Action is tight and crisp. Bore is bright with minor freckling throughout.
Caliber/Bore
.32 Short Rimfire