LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2006 Dec Signature Civil War Auction #642  / 

25534

Rigdon, Ansley & Co. Revolver Serial Number 2221

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Rigdon, Ansley & Co. Revolver Serial Number 2221
<B>Rigdon, Ansley & Co. Revolver</B></I> .36 caliber, six shot, serial number 2221. Rigdon, Ansley & Co. was the successor to Leech & Rigdon who made revolvers under contract for the Confederate Government. Basically copies of the Colt Model 1851 Navy, the main difference between Rigdon, Ansley & Co. and the earlier Leech & Rigdon revolvers was the use of a 12 stop cylinder at the request for some sort of safety system by Confederate Ordinance. This pistol bears a 7.25 inch barrel with "C S A" stamped on the top. Other stampings including a "W" on the left side of the trigger bow and "259500" on the left grip. Serial numbers are stamped on the front of the loading lever catch, the top of the loading lever, bottom of the wedge, bottom of the barrel lug, bottom of the frame, the bow in front of the trigger guard and the bottom of the backstrap by the butt screw. Mechanically very good, some case hardening is evident on the frame. The balance of the iron based metal is mostly silver gray except for the loading lever which exhibits a brown patina. The brass is an aged yellow. There is a crack on the top of the backstrap behind the hammer, but it appears to possibly be as made. The grips have approximately 70% varnish with a crack on the right panel noted for accuracy. <BR><BR><B>Kent Wall's Report:</B></I> <BR>This revolver, serial number 2221, features an iron, part round, part octagon barrel of 7 ¼", iron cylinder with twelve stops, and iron frame. "C.S.A." is stamped on the barrel flat. The trigger guard, back strap and front strap are brass as is the post front sight. The SN, 2221, appears on the barrel lug, front of loading lever catch, flat of loading lever, bottom of wedge, circumference of cylinder, bottom of frame, butt strap, and on brass trigger guard. "W" is stamped on the left side of trigger guard. <BR>A series of numbers "259500" is stamped on the left side of grip. The origin and purpose are unknown. <BR>There is a crack in the grip on the right side near the top. Due to the possibility of further damage, the grip was not removed. Therefore, any markings on the inside of the grip and on the back strap and front strap were not available for inspection. <BR>Condition: Very Good. Iron parts have an even gray patina except the loading lever which is darker. There are a number of dings and scratches on the cylinder. Brass parts have an even, mellow patina. The previously noted crack in the grip. <BR>Provenance: Albaugh/Benet/Simmons <I>Confederate Handguns</B></I> lists this revolver as a known serial number.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Large Collectibles (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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