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CIVIL WAR INSCRIBED #2 SMITH AND WESSON ARMY REVOLVER, CAPT. HARRY ROCKAFELLAR, VRC.

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
CIVIL WAR INSCRIBED #2 SMITH AND WESSON ARMY REVOLVER, CAPT. HARRY ROCKAFELLAR, VRC.
SN 27182. Cal. 32. This is a fine example of the popular Civil War sidearm with 6" bbl in "as found" condition. Presentation engraved on backstrap reads "Capt. Harry Rockafellar, Veteran Reserve Corps". Capt. Rockafellar entered the war April 20, 1861 in Company K of the 71st New York Volunteers. He proceeded to be wounded in his first action at Bull Run July 21, 1861. He was taken prisoner and stayed at Libby Prison until he escaped October 9, 1861. He participated in the Gettysburg campaign, NYC riots and Fort Wagner in 1863. Rockafellar was commissioned Captain in the Veteran Reserve Corps near war's end about the time he received this pistol which accompanying factory letter states was shipped from factory July 11, 1864 to New York City dealer. Rockafellar later became the commander of the 71st New York Regiment and there are accompanying copy photographs of him in uniform as Colonel, commanding 71st Regiment 1869-1871. There is a portfolio of documents detailing Colonel Rockafellar's war time and post-war history. Accompanying this pistol is an orig CDV, 1864, signed "Yours Respectfully, Harry Rockafellar, Capt. 21st V.R.C." The gun has matching assembly numbers, and the SN is stamped on the inside of grip. PROVENANCE: Charles Duffy Collection, David Carroll Collection, Marlan Polhemus Collection. CONDITION: Gun retains about 90% of its orig blue finish on frame and bbl with staining and pitting and balance of metal gray/brown. Cylinder retains about 30% of its bright blue finish with balance brown. Maker and patent marks on bbl flat and cylinder are crisp and easily read as are serial numbers. Rosewood grips are sound and solid retaining almost all their orig varnish with several dings and dents. Mechanically gun functions well with well crisp shiny rifling. Accompanying chamois protective sleeve is sound and supple with staining and soiling. 4-48733 JS64