November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
This Colt 1849 Pocket Revolver is an example of how a brutal war can inflict despair amongst neutral parties. The revolver is 1860 vintage as per serial number, 183143. 4" octagon barrel in .31 caliber with screw-in cone front sight and hammer notch rear. Matching serial numbers observed on rammer, barrel, wedge, cylinder arbor, frame, cylinder, trigger guard, and butt. 1 piece plain walnut grips. Presentation inscription on backstrap reading: "James Snowden Pleasants / of Md. -From Grateful Friends- 1862". The “grateful friends” who presented this revolver to James Snowden Pleasants in 1862 may well have been Marylanders in Confederate service who visited his farm on clandestine trips home, or on scouting missions, though he seems to have been genuinely and generally well regarded. Located near Poolesville, his farm was large and he reportedly maintained friendly relations with Union forces posted nearby, selling food and even hosting officers at his house. Things took a turn in March 1863 when three Confederate soldiers disguised in civilian clothes were found at his house. His defense of being generally hospitable did not carry much weight at his trial, and he was sentenced to hang for providing relief to the enemy and “knowingly harboring enemies of the U.S. in the service of the Rebel Armies.” According to research notes in the paperwork, Lincoln, however, took a more generous view, commuted the sentence to imprisonment, and may have responded to an April 1863 appeal for clemency by his Union neighbors by releasing him on an oath of allegiance. Incarceration at the Old Capitol Prison, however, took a toll on his health and he died at Poolesville in November 1863. Further research may clarify the affair, but he may well have been tragically caught between contending forces with little sympathy for attempts at neutrality. Accompanying this revolver is a folder with notes on configuration, records of Snowden's trial, and details about Fort Delaware as well as other pivotal places in the details of this account. CONDITION: Good with nearly all of the original finish turned to a gray patina. Brass components have turned a mellow patina. Grips are very good with finish loss at high edges and no major signs of distress. Mechanically fine. Bore is frosted with visible rifling.
Caliber/Bore
.31 Percussion
Paperwork
Folder of Research