Item Description
Original Item: One of a Kind. This is a very handsome Colt-style pocket percussion revolver, measuring 9" in overall length with a 4" round .31 Caliber barrel. It was made during the Civil War Era by the Union Arms Company of New York, one of many smaller companies that exploited the demand for percussion revolvers. As with other similar companies, most pistols were produced during 1864 to 1866 period, which coincides with the period that Colt was out of production due to a massive factory fire.
The revolver is in very good condition, and was originally fully nickel plated in addition to the floral engraving on the frame. It has serial number 70 stamped onto the frame under the grips, cylinder (rear), barrel, loading rammer, and barrel wedge, which makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, with no parts swapped out! With such an early serial number, this undoubtedly saw service during the Civil War, most likely as an officer's "backup" revolver.
The top of the barrel still bears the clear maker name:-
UNION ARMS CO. N.Y.
The revolver is in really nice collectors condition, with a lot of the original nickel plating still present. The walnut grips are very nice, showing wear commensurate with age and service.
The revolver functions well, with a crisp action and good excellent indexing, however the cylinder lock is worn, so the cylinder can be rotated at full cock with light effort. The barrel to frame connection is wobble free. The bore is in very good condition for a percussion revolver, with clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish. The brass front sight is still present, but worn down. All 5 cap nipple cones are intact and clear, though they do show some oxidation and powder burn to the exterior.
A very nice Civil War Percussion Revolver, ready to research and display!
Specifications:-
Year of Manufacture: c.1863-4
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 9 inches
Action: Single Action
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.