3066 INSCRIBED PLANT'S MFG. CO. 3RD MODEL ARMY FRONT

Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 250.00 USD
Estimated at 500.00 - 700.00 USD
LOADING SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH PROVENANCE. Cal. 42. S# 2383. Bbl. 6". 3rd Model Army front loading single action revolver mfg. by Plant's Manufacturing Company in New Haven, CT during the mid-1860s. Top of the solid bbl. rib is marked "PLANT'S MFG. CO. NEW HAVEN, CT.", with "MERWIN & BRAY.NEW-YORK." marked on the left flat. Cyl. is marked with the patent information. Rear grip strap is engraved "Cpl. Wm H. Swift Co. B 36 Mass 1863", which would indicate ownership by Corporal William H. Swift of Company B of the 36th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. Accompanying research suggests that the inscription is spurious, as William H. Swift perished as a Private from dysentery in 1862. Brass frame, with iron bbl., cyl. base pin, trigger, hammer, and ejector rod. Frame appears to have been cleaned at one time. Frame is mounted with 2-piece smooth wood grips. German silver blade front sight with frame notched rear sight. Matching numbers are present on the frame, as well as on the interior of the grip panels. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: research and scans of military records of William H. Swift. CONDITION: brass frame retains traces of its silver plated finish, exhibiting a relatively bright exterior. Iron components retain a gray patina with light pitting and spots of age related discoloration present overall. Very bright bore, exhibiting some scattered areas of dark pitting, while retaining strong rifling throughout. Action functions and indexes appropriately when cycled by hand. Grips exhibit some scattered marks and impressions from handling and storage, with 2 small cracks present on the bottom rear corner of the left panel, and a crack and chip present at the bottom rear corner of the right panel. PROVENANCE: from the Lifelong Collection of Robert "Mike" Bricker. (01-24965/MLW). ANTIQUE. $500-700.