GUN FALL 2015
The live portion of this session begins on Monday, October 5, 2015.
FINE CIVIL WAR FREEMAN ARMY MODEL PERCUSSION REVOLVER. FREEMAN ARMY MODEL 1574 44 Cal. 44. Blue finish with 7-1/2" rnd bbl, small pinched blade front sight with rear sight a groove in the top strap. Top strap is marked "FREEMAN''S PAT. DECr 9, 1862" and “HOARD’S ARMORY, WATERTOWN, N.Y.”. It has a 2-pc hinged rammer with Colt style bayonet latch. It also has the unusual Freeman removable cylinder by means of a latch in the right front of the frame. Cyinder is unfluted with six chambers. Mounted with 2-pc smooth walnut grips, pencil numbered to this revolver on the inside. SN was observed on right side of butt strap, under the grip, bottom front of frame, cylinder, rammer handle, arbor and bottom of bbl. No further disassembly was effected to check for additional matching numbers. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were about 2,000 of these revolvers produced 1863-1864 and although there are no known military contracts they are considered secondary martial arms, likely to have been private purchased for use in the war. This is an extremely fine condition revolver retaining most of its orig finish and appears unfired. PROVENANCE: The Estate Collection of Phillip Bleakney. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching as noted. Bbl retains about 95% orig blue with small blemishes and some blue turning plum; frame retains about 90% glossy orig blue with pitting on forward areas at lever and on top of bbl lug. Hammer and loading arm retain dark, muted case colors. Trigger guard with integral grip straps retain about 30% blue finish with remainder blue/grey patina. Grips are sound and solid with numerous small nicks and several chips on right side along with several dents as can be seen in photographs. Sub-inspectors mark also found on bottom of right stock. Cylinder retains about 85% glossy orig blue with remainder a medium grey patina. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 49059-140 JS (4,000-6,000)