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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 - 3,250.00 USD
Scarce Freeman Civil War Era Army Percussion Revolver
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Estimate: $2250 - 3250
Approximately 2,000 of these revolvers were manufactured by Hoard's Armory, Watertown, New York, circa 1863 and 1864. 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. The top strap is marked "FREEMAN'S PAT. DECR 9, 1862/HOARD'S ARMORY. WATERTOWN. N.Y." The serial number "726" is marked on the loading lever, frame underside, barrel, cylinder, cylinder pin and both grips. 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". 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. Fitted with smooth grips.
BBL: 7 1/2 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 44 percussion
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 726
Condition: Fine. The revolver retains 30% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina with some very scattered patches of minor pitting. The hammer and loading lever retain traces of original case colors. The grips are also fine with a series of extensive dents present on the bottoms with a few minor handling marks on the balance. Mechanically fine.