3002 CONFEDERATE BRASS FRAMED SPILLER & BURR REVOLVER.

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This item SOLD at 2022 May 08 @ 10:15UTC-04:00 : AST/EDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 10,000.00 USD
Estimated at 20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD

Classic Confederate brass frame copy of a Whitney made in Atlanta, GA. S# 203. Bbl. 7" octagonal marked "SPILLER & BURR". Left side of frame has final government inspection "C.S." Cylinder is also serial numbered which is rarely seen and is an indication based on recent research that the cylinder was replaced at the armory after failure. Revolver was part of the 2nd lot of Spiller & Burr's produced about Sept. 1863 in Atlanta, GA. At some point, the gun failed and was reissued in Macon, GA in 1864. There are about 300 revolvers issued from Macon with known serial numbers. The cylinder pin on this revolver is 284 and is one of the known Macon issues. It’s quite common on Macon issued guns to have small parts from other Spiller revolvers. Mixed numbers never occur on Atlanta revolvers that never failed (which are rare). UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: there is my current article on Spiller & Burr manufacturing linked here and printed copy accompanying this lot. CONDITION: good overall, this revolver saw hard service like most Confederate revolvers and likely was returned to armory after field failure more than once based on markings. Revolver is original and complete with exception of loading lever arm and catch, which are replacements. Brass cone sight has been smashed flat, but still present. The frame has medium mustard patina and braised repair to top strap. Even the thumb bolt on this revolver is original with the small stamped “O” for “Open”. Iron overall is mottled dark gray with pitting. Twist in the cylinder unique to Georgia brass framed revolvers is distinct. Grips are original, though heavily worn. The “W” inspection on bottom of right grip is dented but discernable. Revolver is functional, though sloppy and timing is off. Bore is well shot, dark, and pitted but still with discernable rifling. PROVENANCE: John Mattox, stated this gun had been on display in sporting’s good store in Denver since the 1950s; Dr. Fred Novy, 2004. (01-20291/JS). ANTIQUE. $20,000-25,000.