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Rare and Historic C.S. Pettengill Pocket Model Revolver Inscribed to an Ellsworth Avengers Civil War

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military / Hand Guns - Revolvers Start Price:700.00 USD Estimated At:1,400.00 - 2,250.00 USD
Rare and Historic C.S. Pettengill Pocket Model Revolver Inscribed to an Ellsworth Avengers Civil War
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Rare and Historic C.S. Pettengill Pocket Model Revolver Inscribed to an Ellsworth Avengers Civil War Veteran

This is one of around 300 Third Model Pettengill Pocket Model Revolvers as manufactured circa late 1850s. The top of the frame is marked "PETTENGILLS/PATENT 1856" and the bottom of the frame is marked "RAYMOND & ROBITAILLE/PATENTED 1858". Matching serial number is found on the butt, cylinder and both grip panels. Fitted with a two piece loading lever and two piece varnished grips. The left side of the frame has an inscription: "D. Shapley Jr/Co D/44th Regt NYV/1861". Known as the Ellsworth Avengers and the People's Ellsworth Regiment, the 44th New York Regiment was organized in 1861 in response to the death of Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, a nationally known military figure from New York who was the first officer to die in the Civil War. The Ellsworth Avengers were organized by recruiting troops from throughout the state of New York rather than from a particular community as was customary for Civil War era regiments. The regiment saw service in the Peninsula Campaign, Gettysburg and the Wilderness. The 44th New York mustered out of service on October 11, 1864. A simple internet search confirms that David Shapley Jr. served with the 44th regiment during the Civil War.

Manufucture: Pettingill C S
Model: Pocket
BBL: 4 5/8 inch octagon
Stock:
Guage: 31 percussion
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 42

Fine. The revolver retains 30% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance showing some scattered minor pitting and spotting. The grips are very good with a missing surface chip and a number of minor handling marks. Action needs attention as internal hammer does not retract, although trigger rotates cylinder. A unique opportunity to obtain a rare Civil War era arm inscribed to a known Civil War veteran. Inscribed Civil War percussion Colts are relatively common. This may well be the only Pettingill pocket revolver so inscribed and positively identified. A letter from David Shapley describing camp conditions in late 1861 is recorded.