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HISTORIC COLT M-1860 PERCUSSION ARMY REVOLVER ATTRIBUTED TO PVT. JOESPH N. HAWKINS CO D CUSTER'S 7TH

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
HISTORIC COLT M-1860 PERCUSSION ARMY REVOLVER ATTRIBUTED TO PVT. JOESPH N. HAWKINS CO D CUSTER'S 7TH
SN 77460. Standard 44 cal. Colt Army revolver all matching, orig and complete with exception of replaced wedge screw which has been identified as issued to Co D 7th MI volunteer cavalry through the Springfield Research Service vol 4 1995 edition. In addition there is a signed letter from Franklin B. Mallory Chief Researcher, Springfield Research Service attesting that revolver serial #77460 was found in the company & regimental ledgers for the 7th MI cavalry. These records are stored in the National Archives as record group 94 entry 112 and the specific citation was found in the order books for companies D - M. Pvt. Hawkins enlisted at Grand Rapids on Nov 13, 1862 and died of typhoid fever at U.S. Hospital #1 in Frederick, MD on July 20, 1863 immediately following his service at The Battle of Gettysburg. Pvt. Hawkins was with his regiment in the engagements leading up to and through Gettysburg. On May 29, 1863 the 7th MI and 1st VT cavalry engaged Mosby at Cattlett's Station and on June 30 he engaged Jeb Stuart's cavalry at Hanover. At the Battle of Gettysburg Custer's 7th MI Cavalry was heavily engaged on July 3, 1863. On this day General Custer, in his famous charge with the 7th Michigan Cavalry behind him, is where he shouted those famous words, "Come on you Wolverines!" Hawkins was present with his unit until he contracted typhoid fever and was admitted to the hospital on July 6, dying 14 days later from the disease. In addition to this historic association, the Springfield Research Service documents that Colt Army revolver serial #77460 remained in service with the MI cavalry brigade when it was sent west in August 1865 on Gen. Patrick Connor's Powder River expedition against the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians. While not inscribed, this historic Colt revolver is solidly documented to Pvt. Hawkins and Custer's 7th MI Cavalry through the Battle of Gettysburg. The gun is accompanied by the Springfield Research Service documentation, extensive personal documents on Hawkins including his military service record, copies of regimental histories, family tree and image of his grave site. Copies of these are available for perspective buyers. CONDITION: The revolver shows medium to heavy wear with no orig finish remaining. All metal is a medium gray color with light surface pitting here & there. Walnut grips are worn with numerous dings on butt from use as a tack hammer. Wedge screw is replaced. Inspector's initial remain on metal parts & the gun functions mechanically. An important & historic attributed Colt revolver. 4-47701