September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
Manufactured in 1860 prior to the opening shots of the Civil War. Fitted with a desirable 6" octagon barrel with 2-line New York address and brass pin front sight. Cylinder rolled with the stagecoach holdup scene. Silver plated grip straps with varnished 1-piece walnut grips. Backstrap is faintly inscribed in a non professional hand "Capt S J Johnson 17 NCT", an additional "S. J. Johnson" on the butt. A small card accompanying this lot indicates that it was purchased in 1982 in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1982 from the family of Captain Samuel J. Johnson. No exact matches were found in the 17th North Carolina Infantry records. Lot includes research for a Lieutenant Samuel B. Johnston (also spelled Johnson), who served as Sergeant of Company H and was appointed to 1st Lieutenant in 1862. A Captain Stuart L. Johnston is also listed in the rolls of the 17th NC. The 17th North Carolina served at Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fort Fisher, and Bentonville. An early tooled leather flap holster also accompanies this lot. CONDITION: Good. Barrel blue has drifted to a worn brown patina with some oxidization spots. Frame and cylinder have faded to a mottled gray. Partially legible cylinder scene. Significant portions of the silver plating are retained on the front strap and trigger guard. Backstrap has been heavily cleaned, the engraving still somewhat legible but very soft. Grips have some scattered handling marks and areas of finish loss. Strong, abraded bore. Mechanics do not function reliably and have some period repairs. A few screws also appear to be replacements. Matching numbers observed throughout. Holster has some surface crackling and wear but remains supple.