December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/14/2021
The Rogers & Spencer Army Model revolver was built in Willow Dale, New York in 1865 only with a total quantity estimated at 5,800. The United States Ordnance contracted for 5,000 revolvers in November 1864. 1,500 had been delivered by the end of April 1865, with the balance delivered in September of 1865. The Civil War officially ended on May 13th, 1865; less than a month after the order was delivered, as such there are no records indicating any issue of this revolver during the war. Francis Bannerman of New York acquired almost the entire lot at government sale and offered them to collectors through their catalog for many years. It is also the reason why the majority of examples found never saw any use, which is the case with this revolver. If you've never handled one, the quality and finish is second to none. The bluing is like that of the early Colts and almost fire polish blue topped only by the nitre blue small screws, with the hammer and loading lever case colored and sporting a pair of near mint flared base walnut grips. The left grip has the inspector stamp "RPB" for Robert P. Beals who inspected the entire shipment. Gun features heavy full octagon barrel, closed top, six shot, single action. Top of the frame is stamped "ROGERS & SPENCER UTICA NY". Military inspector stamp "B" is found on the side of barrel and frame on both left and right side, along with a "P" on right side of loading lever. There is a "B" stamped on the cylinder. "XP" stamp near trigger guard. Base of both grips is stamped "B" as well as a "B" on the bottom of grip frame. CONDITION: There are a couple small flakes off cylinder that are soft patina and a light drag line. Revolver retains 98% of the original high polish factory blue. Near mint bore. About as fine a condition as you could find for one of these revolvers. From the G. Thomas Puett Collection.
Manufacturer
Rogers & Spencer