January 23rd 2016 Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/22/2016
Barrel length is 8" octagon, caliber is .44 percussion. Arguably the finest revolver manufactured for use during the Civil War. It had a distinct advantage over the Colt with regards to the much stronger solid top frame and the ease of which the cylinder could be changed out without taking the entire gun apart which was a monumental difference in the heat of the battle when the rapid replacement of loaded cylinders could mean the difference between life and death. This high condition example is standard in all respects. It has all the proper inspector stamps on metal and the two piece walnut grips are in near new condition and display a perfect cartouche on left panel. The gun functions as new and the lock up is tight as any modern gun. It retains a mint bore, and all of the original nipples are intact and perfect. The hammer retains virtually all of the brilliant case colors. The octagon barrel retains approximately 80% of the original factory high polish blue finish with the balance simply exhibiting age freckling/flaking. The frame retains several areas of original high polish blue while it too shows the typical flaking found on these revolvers. This cylinder is a pleasing mix of blue brown patina with flashes of brilliant blue especially on back of cylinder. The brass trigger guard has the wonderful mustard hue that exists only through age. The end of the cylinder shows no burn and you can still see the original factory blue in it's chambers. It is highly unlikely that this gun saw much, if any, real use as the finish loss it is basically a result of aging and flaking during its century and a half of storage. The frame screw exhibit some light burring, a result of having been tightened with an improper screw driver. One would be extremely hard pressed to find a nicer example of this high quality and desirable big bore single action that saw major use in every campaign during the War Between the States. A revered weapon of superior quality and superior all original condition.