Guns International #: 100805318
Seller's Inventory #: 21502

Category - Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique - Smith & Wesson Revolvers

Category
Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique
Smith & Wesson Revolvers

Civil War Captain's S&W Model No. 1 Revolver with Holster, Diary, Letters and Research

Description:
Civil War ID’d S&W Model No. 1 Second Issue Revolver w Holster, Diary, Letters & Research

Engraved by Captain Howard M. Smith of the 1st New York Dragoons

Here we present an antique Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 Second Issue Revolver, engraved by Capt. Howard Smith of the 130th New York Infantry and 19th New York Cavalry (later called the 1st New York Dragoons). This piece also comes with its original holster, pictures and reams of research. In fact, there are 185 pages of letters and diary entries below, copied from the Library of Congress. In addition, there are muster papers, widow’s pension request, and excerpts of his home town’s history. Enjoy reading several of the excerpts from his diary and letters among the photos of the revolver. The first three pages are from early 1863, and the last five are from late 1864. Some notable figures mentioned in the diary are famous generals such as Sheridan and Lee, as well as Smith’s daily comrades.

A bit about Capt. (Major in Nov. 1863 and eventually breveted Lieutenant-Colonel in May 1865 for “distinguished and meritorious services) Howard M. Smith: Howard M. Smith was a resident of Livingston County, New York, graduated from Rochester University and was a teacher and principal at the Mt. Morris Academy. He was mustered on August 11, 1862 at Portage, New York as Captain of Company B of the 130th Regiment—afterwards the 1st NY Dragoons. He was a very articulate man, as seen from his fantastic diary and letters to home. He also seems to have been a good leader and brave. His regiment saw heavy fighting at the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Trevilan Station and other battlefields. He was a personal acquaintance of and served alongside of such notable figures as General Thomas Devin and General Alfred Gibbs, both of which he speaks about in his diary.

He was married to Mary E. Joslyn in Nov. 1867; it seems most of his letters are addressed to her. After he left the Army, he settled in Buffalo, New York, where he was a coal merchant for 12 years with the company Smith, Howard & Sears. He and his wife Mary had a set of twins, Julian and Joselyn, in 1878. He died of “chronic nephritis” in 1890, according to his death certificate (copy included) in Buffalo, New York. A copy of his widow’s pension request is included in the documentation.

The Smith & Wesson Model No. 1 Second Issue was made from 1860-68, this specimen being made 1863 or earlier, since he was promoted to Major in November of 1863. The backstrap is engraved “H.M.S. Capt.”, and the firearm was formerly acquired directly from his descendants by a collector. The revolver is chambered in .22 rimfire and held 7 shots. The small holster was made for this gun in particular, and has been the gun’s faithful companion for 153 years now. Captain Smith acquired this little piece to accompany his other standard issue kit.

The revolver is in fine condition. The barrel still maintains a lot of blue, and most of the silver plate on the frame remains. The lettering is very clear. The condition of this little pistol, along with the very regular and detailed entries should tell you how meticulous this distinguished Union officer really was.

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction. This little pistol has it all! Condition, plus the research, letters and photos. Needless to say, these do not come around very often! Help preserve history and this man’s memory.

Barrel is 3.125 inches in length.

Caliber: .22 rimfire short

The bore and firing mechanism are in excellent condition.

Overall condition as seen in photos.        

Be prepared to preserve history and the Major’s memory if you purchase.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns
$4500
#21502

SOLD

Antique: Yes