May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/8/2024
Manufactured in 1863 at the height of the Civil War, numbered rather close together, 136314 and 136096. Revolvers feature standard octagonal barrel with pin front sights, New York addresses, naval scene rolled percussion cylinders, silver plated brass grip straps, and varnished walnut 1-piece grips. Both back straps are period engraved "To J.C. Hunterson Co. B. 3rd Penn. Cav / From his comrads". Born in 1841 in Philadelphia, John C. Hunterson mustered into Company B of the 3rd Pennsylvania Cavalry July 23, 1861. He was awarded the Medal of Honor on August 2, 1897, for his actions on June 5, 1862, at Fair Oaks, Virginia, as his citation reads “While under fire, between the lines of the two armies, voluntarily gave up his own horse to an engineer officer whom he was accompanying on a reconnaissance and whose horse had been killed, thus enabling the officer to escape with valuable papers in his possession.”. Serving as an orderly for an engineering officer carrying important, detailed maps of the Army of the Potomac’s III Corps from an earlier meeting with Brigadier Generals Hooker, Sickles, and Grover, Hunterson risked his own life and actually fell under Confederate capture (before escaping), allowing the officer to escape on his own horse. Hunterson's actions kept the valuable information out of Confederate hands, which could have led to a disastrous outcome. After continued service, Hunterson mustered out August 24, 1864, likely when he was presented this pair of revolvers. CONDITION: Good, as heavily used. Revolvers display a rich, even gray patina with legible markings. Cylinder scenes are worn but partially visible. Grip straps retain traces of silver and display an overall mottled mellow golden mustard patina. Gun (A) has some harsher hammer marks on the butt with some additional period engraving illegible underneath. Grips show heavy use with wear, nicks, and finish loss. Gun (A) also has losses on each side of the grip at the toe. Matching numbers observed throughout both guns, Gun (B) has a replaced wedge. A few screws also appear to be replacements. A truly historic pair of Civil War inscribed Colts. They would make a prime addition to any collection of Civil War arms.
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 7 - 1/2"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .36 Rifled
Serial Number
(A) 136314 (B) 136096