September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/11/2024
Per an included factory letter, this revolver with early 3-digit "296" serial number shipped August 27, 1861, to J.W. Storrs of New York City. Classic early configuration with ribbed 5" octagon barrel, German silver blade front sight, 5-shot cylinder, stop retained by only 2 pins, spur trigger, and 2-piece varnished rosewood grips. Backstrap period inscribed "ACT. LIEUT. JOHN HUMPHREY, COM'DO / C.S.N. 1861". Although research could not locate a Lieutenant John Humphrey in Confederate Naval Service, a Lieutenant Joshua Humphrey is listed as commanding the gunboat CSS Stevens, which was scuttled in New Iberia. It is also possible the inscription on this revolver, now somewhat worn, originally read "U.S.N." A volunteer Acting Lieutenant John Humphrey commanded the USS Young Rover in 1861, a steam powered bark. After some complaint about the newly fitted ship's boiler and armament, Humphrey initially set sail for the York River at Hampton Roads, Virginia, as part of the Atlantic Blockade Squadron in September 1861. In 1862, the USS Young Rover briefly served with the Potomac River Flotilla before reassignment to Florida as part of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. A file of research about both Lieutenant Joshua Humphrey and Acting Lieutenant John Humphrey accompanies this lot, along with a LOA for the engraving. CONDITION: Very good. Revolver displays a silvery patina with some light cleaned oxidation throughout. Grips have some mild finish loss and scattered impressions, the right grip stamped in the inside with the full serial number. Bore is strong with some black powder abrasion. Crisp mechanics.
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
Paperwork
Factory Letter, Research, Previous Listing