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Scarce Freeman Civil War Era Army Percussion Revolver

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:900.00 USD Estimated At:2,250.00 - 3,750.00 USD
Scarce Freeman Civil War Era Army Percussion Revolver
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Estimate: $2250 - 3750
Approximately 2,000 of these revolvers were manufactured by Hoard's Armory, Watertown, New York circa 1863 and 1864. Marked "FREEMAN'S PAT. DECB 9, 1862/HOARD'S ARMORY. WATERTOWN. N.Y." on the top strap. The serial number "753" is marked on the loading lever, right side of the frame under the grip and hand written on the inside of each grip panel. "753" is marked on the frame ahead of the trigger guard and "752" is marked on the cylinder and cylinder pin. This was possibly a mix-up at the factory. Austin Freeman's patent on the cylinder pin was similar to Bacon's First Model cylinder catch. The cylinder pin was retained by a flat spring on the left side of the frame. An ear on the right side of the pin had a button which will push the spring away from the ear on the left side, allowing the pin to be slid forward about 1/4 of an inch. This pulls the pin out of the frame at the rear and disengages the hook on the left side of the frame allowing the pin and cylinder to be removed from the right side of the gun. The sights are fixed, the cylinder is un-fluted with recessed percussion nipples and is fitted with smooth walnut grips. Although no government contracts or other documents have been located to show they were ever used by the military, these revolvers are considered as secondary martial arms.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 44 percussion
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 753
Condition: Fine. The revolver retains 50% of the original blue finish mostly on the frame and barrel. The remaining surfaces have a smooth brownish patina. The nipples are original to the revolver and show minimal wear or usage. The slightly undersize, period reoiled grips are very good with a few minor pressure dents, minor dings on the bottom of the right panel and minor handling marks. The marking is clear. The action is excellent.