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Extremely Rare Confederate Augusta Machine Works Percussion Twelve-Notch Style Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,750.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Extremely Rare Confederate Augusta Machine Works Percussion Twelve-Notch Style Revolver
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Extremely Rare Confederate Augusta Machine Works Percussion Twelve-Notch Style Revolver

Known as the Revolver of Colt Model 1851 Navy type, these rare Confederate revolvers were manufactured circa 1861 to 1864 with a total production of only about 100 and only a few are known to exist today. These revolvers were very well made and (like most Confederate revolvers) are almost identical in appearance to the Colt Model 1851 Navy revolvers. Among the revolvers made in the Confederacy, the ones said to have been made by the Augusta Machine Works is somewhat mysterious. They are not marked with a markers name and some question if the gun was made by the factory or if any revolvers were even manufactured by Augusta Machine. The Confederate Government did own a factory in Augusta, Georgia which was known as the Augusta Machine Works, but what military weapons were produced has never really been established. The revolver has a full octagon barrel, brass trigger guard and back strap, and a Colt Navy type loading lever catch. These revolvers were marked with either numbers or letters for assembly markings. This particular revolver is marked with a "YY" on the inside of the back strap. There were two variations of cylinders, one with six stops and the other (approximately half) 12 stops. This revolver has the 12 stops and correctly made without safety pins between the nipples. The front sight is absent and appeared to be a blade and a notch in the hammer head serves as the rear sight. The hammer is smooth and has a unique design with a shorter spur that goes almost straight up and down when in the decocked position Fitted with smooth one piece walnut grips These revolvers are discussed on pages 3-8 in the book "Confederate Handguns" by Albaugh, Benet, Jr. and Simmons. On page 7 it states that some guns were marked with letters such as J, O and Y in place of a serial number.

Manufucture: Augusta Machine Works
Model: 1851 Navy
BBL: 7 3/4 inch octagon
Stock:
Guage: 36 percussion
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: YY

Fair as modified. The revolver has a brownish gray patina with some minor pitting and evidence of heavy cleaning on the left side, rear of the barrel. The barrel lug has been crudely welded to the frame. The wedge screw is absent and the frame screws are replacements. The loading lever does not operate properly due to the angle the barrel was welded to the frame. The action does not function. The brass has an untouched dark aged patina. The grip is about good with some gouging on the lower left side, a number of shallow notches on the left side, and a few minor dings and dents. Considering the hard service Confederate weapons saw, this revolver is a solid example of an extremely rare Augusta Machine Works 12 stop Confederate revolver. A seldom found addition to any Civil War Confederate collection.