November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
A wonderful token of esteem given by Company C, 5th Maryland (US) Infantry to their temporary commander, twice-wounded Lt. Henry H. Jones of the 2nd Delaware. Jones enlisted in the 2nd Delaware as a Second Lieutenant in June 1861 and was later mustered in to rank from May 21. Records have him in both Company I and Company K. The 2nd was a hard-fighting unit in the Second Corps, Army of the Potomac, that saw heavy action in Peninsula Campaign, Antietam, Fredericksburg, where Jones was wounded, and Chancellorsville, where he was wounded and captured. He was paroled at City Point on May 23 and reported back to the regiment on June 7 or 8, but it is unclear if he was back on duty in time for Gettysburg, where the regiment fought in the Wheatfield. The presentation of the pistol would date to Fall 1863 or early 1864. He was detailed in September 1863 for duty with the 5th Maryland at Camp Du Pont, near Wilmington, and in February 1864 was sent to the general rendezvous at Lafayette Barracks in Baltimore and given charge of volunteer recruits. He was back with the 2nd Delaware for Grant’s Overland Campaign and was likely carrying this pistol when he was wounded a third time at Cold Harbor, June 5, 1864, by a gunshot wound in the left calf. He was hospitalized at Carver Hospital in Washington, but contracted Tetanus and died in the early morning hours of June 20. His wife retrieved his body, and buried him under a tombstone marked “my husband” next to their infant daughter, who had died the year before. This revolver was manufactured by Colt in 1863 during the Civil War. Fit with a desirable 6" octagon barrel with New York address, pin front sight, and hammer notch rear. 6-shot percussion cylinder roll stamped with the stage coach hold up scene. Large style brass trigger guard with 1-piece smooth walnut grips. The backstrap bear the period inscription "Presented by the Members of Co. C 5th Md. Vols / to their Commander Lieut H. H. Jones / 2nd Del. Vol.". Jones’ Colt is accompanied by a folder of research detailing his service. CONDITION: Very good overall. Iron components exhibit a dark patina with markings soft. Grip straps have been polished bright with some abrasion around the inscription, with it remaining mostly legible. Grips are very good showing some expected abrasions, fitting slightly shy to the grip straps. Dark shootable bore showing defined rifling. Mechanically fine. Matching full or partial serial numbers throughout.
Caliber/Bore
.31 Percussion
Paperwork
Folder of Research