This Henry Rifle is unquestionably one of the rarest of all Civil War artifacts offered for sale in the last several years. Not only is it a rare iron-frame example, it is inscribed: "Co. A, 5th TENN. CAV. JULY 27.1862." in three lines on the left side of its frame. This example, serial number 165, is listed on page 78 of "The Historic Henry Rifle" by Wiley Sword and pictured on page 159 of "Civil War Guns" by William B. Edwards. In the Edwards photo, the gun is extremely dark on the left side-plate and the "Co. A" portion of the inscription is not apparent. My good friend Bobby Smith sold this rifle back in the early 2000's and the frame had been gently cleaned to reveal the extra portion of the inscription, and in addition, clearly shows that a name preceded it, likely that of the original owner in script form vs. the block letters that are clearly visible. You can see its shadow in the close-up photo I have provided. There may be a way to reveal what the name is with some type of infrared x-ray technology or some other method, but I am not aware of what that process might entail. Based on the date of the inscription, this example was carried by a member of the Union 5th Tennessee Cavalry regiment that was mustered into service on July 15, 1862, and who saw extensive service with the Army of the Ohio and Army of the Cumberland between August 1862 and February 1865. During its term of service, the regiment had one officer and 68 enlisted men killed in action. Many of the officers of that unit were promoted and transferred from the 21st Ohio infantry, and one of their officers could have been the original owner, as the regiment was outfitted with arms and equipment at Camp Dennison in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kittridge & Co., also in Cincinnati, were a primary source of Henry Rifles early in the war and its quite possible some officers visited that establishment. To date, fewer than 100 iron frame Henry rifles have been identified by collectors. In addition to the iron receiver and buttplate, this rifle has a rear sight provision dove-tailed into the the frame, loading lever without spur and buttplate with rounded heel that are features of the first 400 iron and brass frame Henry rifles. The lower tang has no provision for a lever latch. German silver, front blade sight and first style, folding leaf rear sight with "1000" yard mark beneath the center notch missing its ladder. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the first style New Haven Arms legend: "HENRY'S PATENT OCT. 16. 1860./ MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." in two lines. This early style legend has the second "NEWHAVEN CT." markings in block letters rather then the serif letters used in the rest of the legend. All of the serial numbers match and the rifle shows all the early features that were standard for the first 400 or so Henrys. It lacks the sling swivel and loop for sling hook that were extra cost features on early Henry rifles. A Sharps swivel is fitted to the bottom of the stock immediately behind the lower tang. The sling loop has been modified to accept a snap hook from a standard carbine sling. This well-documented rifle appears to be the only unit inscribed iron frame Henry rifle known to exist. It unquestionably saw action in the Civil War and is in very good condition for its type, displaying wear consistent with a weapon that was carried on horseback and saw extensive service. The magazine follower is an iron field replacement. The bolt is missing the upper extractor and firing pin. The barrel has a brown patina and the receiver has a similar patina and with the lighter appearance of the left frame and scattered handling marks. The trigger and lever show brown patina. The buttplate shows mottled aging. The stock is sound and full, shows moderate service wear with numerous shallow bruises and scratches with a likely coat of linseed or other oil added long, long ago. This gun is pictured in the early work of William B. Edwards' "CIVIL WAR GUNS" on page 159 and is mentioned on page 78 in Wiley Swords' THE HISTORIC HENRY RIFLE. This is unquestionably a wonderful opportunity for an astute collector and it's priced at a level that would be considered fair even if not inscribed.

This is a beautiful and untouched example of a British proofed Colt 1851 Navy Revolver. It has never been cleaned, oiled, brushed or enhanced in any fashion since its period of use. A slight cleaning should reveal most of its cylinder scene as well as reveal a little bit of original blue and case colors. The grips are full showing little wear with most of their original varnish. A nice and extremely crisp Civil war era revolver that was well cared for and seldom used. It's the way collectors love to find them.

All collectors love identified artifacts and of those that are, some seem particularly special and go beyond the norm. These are the artifacts pictured in books and talked about among fellow collectors at shows, clubs and roundtables. This 5" barreled Colt Pocket Revolver presented by the Harvard Medical School "Class of 1852" to a fellow grad, is such an artifact. I have been collecting Colt Percussions for many years and have never come across such a gun. It is adorned with many unusual features, the first of which is its original silver-plating. Only a handful of Colt are known to exist with full silver plate that are original. It is housed in its original and beautiful factory rosewood case with inscribed lid escutcheon that reads; "Surgeon Hurd / 5th REGT. M.V.M.". The right side of the barrel is inscribed "S.H. Hurd, M.D. / SURGEON 5th REGT./M.V.M." / "FROM THE CLASS OF '52". The left barrel flat is marked "Placebo." and the back strap is inscribed with the Latin phrase, "MULTA MANU MEDICA." Additionally, the gun is accompanied with an unprecedented ORIGINAL LETTER OF PRESENTATION dated April 29, 1861 that reads, "Surgeon Hurd / Dear Sir, / The Class of ’52 desirous of showing their appreciation of your courage and patriotism in thus nobly and disinterestedly giving up ‘Home’, to offer your services to your Country, hereby transmit to you this revolver, which we hope will report favorably for the safety of our classmate and friend. / In behalf of the Class of ’52, Horace Richardson / Howard P. Arnold”. In all my years of collecting, I have never seen a Colt with such unusual inscriptions nor have I seen such an original and eloquent letter accompanying any gun. I'm not a doctor nor a student of Latin, but I feel my research on these symbolic inscriptions allow me to offer some theories about this historic Colt. I am convinced that the inscribed word "Placebo" is an actual naming of the gun by the presenters. In Latin, a loose definition of the term means "I shall please" or "I shall satisfy". For the purposes of the presenters, I believe it meant "I shall deliver" or "I'll get the job done". Additionally in Latin, the phrase "MULTA MANU MEDICA" means "multiple things by or from a healing hand". I believe this means that the hand that holds the "Placebo", even if sworn to the essence of the Hippocratic Oath, "first, do no harm" is absolved of any violation when defending his own life and country. Surgeon Samuel H. Hurd served with the 5th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia from May 1 to August 1, 1861, participating in the First Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861. The "Minute Men" as they were called, lost nine men killed, two wounded and twenty-three missing. The regiment was mustered out of the service July 31 and thereafter Hurd treated the wounded as they returned to Boston, providing medical care for their families as well, for free. He went on to have an outstanding medical career. He lectured on “Medical Knowledge among Indian Tribes” describing the benefits of the “vapor bath” and citing some possible additions to the Pharmacopoeia from among their herbal remedies. He lectured on “The Human Skeleton”, was a member of the American Geographical Society and the New York Historical Society, and made donations of maps and documents to the historical societies of Kansas, Massachusetts and Wisconsin. After his retirement from the practice of medicine, he and wife Lucy lived in New York City, visited Newport and Saratoga Springs, traveled abroad a great deal, and summered in Skaneateles. Here, Samuel Hurd fostered the village’s first society for the protection of song birds, even before there was an Audubon Society. He died in 1897, in Atlantic City. The gun, case and accessories are all in excellent condition and this set is an outstanding candidate for the finest collection, especially for those collectors who may be involved in the practices of medicine or health.

This is a very fine condition single shot pistol made at the Palmetto Armory in Columbia, South Carolina. This armory was founded in the early1850s by William Glaze to make and supply arms to South Carolina’s State Militia. The armory produced 1,000 pistols over a two year period and the guns were to be used by South Carolina Militia along with other weapons (swords, accouterments) produced by the Armory when needed. The arms and equipments stored in the arsenal were issued to South Carolina’s troops used throughout the Civil War. These pistols were patterned after the U.S. model 1842 pistol, having a .54 caliber smoothbore barrel stamped, " Wm Glaze & Co" on the left barrel flat. The breech is clearly stamped with a Palmetto tree and a “V”. The lock plate is stamped Columbia SC forward of the hammer and 1852 is stamped behind the hammer. This example is in very fine condition with extremely sharp and fine wood, save for a chip behind the left rear of the lock-plate. The action is sharp and crisp and the Wm. Glaze & Co, date and Palmetto Armory stamping are extremely crisp and deep. Over-all, this gun is in remarkably fine condition, as most of these saw heavy use. A nice candidate to add to a Confederate handgun collection at a modest price.

Here is an extremely rare and 100% original antique revolver case (revolver not included) that appears to perfectly fit only a few types few guns. It will handily take a Remington Beals or Whitney Navy Revolver, but I'm sure it was originally built for a Beals Army ( I don't have one to try it, but I believe it will fit perfectly). I found this with a Colt 1851 Navy in it, but the loading lever lug just didn't fit correctly. A Remington New Model Army fits, but the loading lever partition spells "B-E-A-L-S" to knowledgable collectors. AND IT IS RARE! The case is in very fine to excellent condition with a couple of hairline cracks in the lid. It comes with proper accessories for an Army or Navy sized revolver to include a period stand-of-arms flask, correct and unmarked Remington Navy mold with lots of original blue, a skin pack of Navy Sized cartridges, a cap tin and extra balls. I would like to sell this with the accessories in it, but will entertain an offer for just the box and if sold, I will part out the accessories. I doubt any of us will ever see another one of these very soon. On the other hand, if you own a high finish and/or an engraved Remington Beals Army Revolver, give me a call and lets talk about the possibilities of selling your gun to me. I value the box, one of the rarest I've ever found at $3,500.00, similar to the price of a Colt Navy box which can be found quite readily. The flask is easily worth $1,250.00. I'll part this case and accessories out if someone is interested in just the case or the flask.

You won't find a Civil War Carbine like this at most Civil War shows or at an auction. I've had this for a few years and am thinning out the herd to make room for a few recent acquisitions to my own collection. This Burnside Carbine was sent in here as an untouched relic found in the barn of a farm in Virginia in the 1950's that was being re-built, and then kept in a closet until it was sold to me. It is carved on one side "SEVEN PINES" (with a backwards "N") and "C. W. Sayers", "ALa" on the other. The gun does not look as good in person as it does in the photos, especially the wood, which is heavily aged. It is in the 8XXX range and is an early 4th model. This particular gun had more of an impact on me than most others, and with good reason. I searched the wrong name on the internet for 2 hours and almost went insane. I mis-spelled "SAYRE" as "SAYER" and couldn't find any Alabama soldier of that name that was at Seven Pines. Then I allowed my better half to try and she found him in 30 seconds. In any case, C. W. Sayre was in the 3rd Alabama and was indeed at Seven Pines. That's not to say that this gun was carried by Sayre in the Battle of Seven Pines. He could have gotten the gun long after and carved his remembrance of that battle as was done on many flags of the South. The 3rd regiment was organized at Montgomery in April 1861, and was the first Alabama command that went to Virginia. Mustered into service at Lynchburg, May 4, the regiment was ordered to Norfolk. It was merged with the First and Twelfth Virginia, under Col. Withers, later succeeded by Col. Mahone. It remained at Norfolk for a year but saw no active service. At Seven Pines it was held in reserve the first day; but was badly cut up the second, losing 38 killed and 122 wounded. A fortnight later it was attached to Rodes' brigade which now consisted of the Third, Fifth, Sixth, Twelfth, and Twenty-sixth of Alabama regiments. The brigade, led by Col. J.B. Gordon of the Sixth, participated in the week of battle before Richmond, as part of D.H. Hill's division. The Third lost 207 out of 345 men and officers at the bloody repulse of Malvern Hill, and mustered with only 180 men a few days after that terrible conflict, but soon recruited to 300. The Third Alabama was the first to the plant the "stars and bars" on the hills of Maryland. At Boonsboro the fighting was prolonged and desperate, as it was at Sharpsburg. It moved back into Virginia with the army, and was in line of battle at Fredericksburg. At Chancellorsville it shared prominently in the glories achieved by Jackson's corps in the splendid assault on Hooker, and in the two days lost 24 killed, and 125 wounded. In the second Maryland campaign, the Third moved with Ewell's corps, to which it now belonged, as far as Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. It lost heavily at Gettysburg, fighting both days with much credit, and shared in the privations of the retreat. After the return to Virginia, it skirmished at Mine Run and bore a conspicuous part in the battles of Wilderness and Spottsylvania, losing very severely. In the fighting at the second Cold Harbor, it charged the enemy's breastworks, and lost considerably. It was with Early in the Valley, and in Maryland, taking part in the demonstration against Washington, and in the pursuit of Hunter. At Winchester its loss was heavy, and it suffered severely at Cedar Hill, but protected the rear of the retreating army. Placed in the trenches at Petersburg, the Third dwindled away by attrition till only about 40 laid down their arms at Appomatox. Of 1651 names on its roll, about 260 perished in battle, 119 died in the service, and 605 were discharged or transferred. This is an untouched, out-of-the-woods prize for any collector. The metal retains a heavy, crusty brown patina that needs a coat of oil to arrest any further corrosion, but I've been afraid to touch it. I liked it just the way I found it and it has remained that way in my safe. The wood is also a dark patina and with a loop, shows the 150 year old crud, dirt and age in the carvings. The breech-block is frozen and the rear sight is missing. If you like bright and shiny condition guns, this may not be for you. But if you like a gun that talks, that is identified as being once carried by a Confederate and is untouched, this gun screams at you.

There's a first time for everything. Take a look at the shoulders of the back-strap on this little revolver, it is dated on the lugs! I've never seen that feature on any pistol in 30 years of collecting. I know the photos are a bit dark, but this gun is extremely sharp and crisp to include all markings, edges and action. The barrel and cylinder are in a smooth, dark-brown patina with generous blue on the bottom of the barrel. The factory engraved frame retains 80% original dark silver plate and the grips are excellent with 90%+ original varnish. The back-strap inscription reads, "ADJ. Cha's. E. Whitney / 40th Mass. Vols. / From Friends". Whitney mustered in as a Corporal in August of 1862 and served throught the war. The 40th saw action at Fort Wagner, Olustee, Drewry's Bluff (where Whitney was wounded), Bermuda Hundred, Cold harbor, and Petersburg among other places. This is a nice little gun with a great inscription and history to a man who advanced to the rank of Captain and was wounded at Drewry's Bluff, Virginia in 1864.

Colt 1862 Police Revolvers with factory engraving are extremely rare. This is a fine little gun that retains about 25 - 30% aged blue on its 6 1/2" barrel and generous amounts in the cylinder flutes. Traces of fading but some areas of sparse vividness adorn the frame, lever and hammer. It is engraved in the late-vine scroll, and has gorgeous factory ivories. Very crisp markings, edges and action showing very little use. A very premium looking gun thats color blends perfectly and making it appear to be much more highly finished.!

This is a very nice Morse with untouched patina on its brass frame. The wood and metal are in very fine condition with minimal dings or bruises. Still retains the cleaning plug in the butt, and it is priced under retail. I got it more than...

Colt Walker Revolver B-49. All Colt collectors are aware that Samuel Colt's first success in selling revolvers in quantity to the U.S. Government was the Walker Model 1847. Known for its power at delivering .44 caliber shots in a quick six while...

This is an excellent condition Starr Double-action revolver. During their period of production, approximately 22,000 Starr M-1858 Army revolvers were manufactured with about 16,000 going to fill US government contracts. The remaining production...

This is a very strong condition Harrington Volley Gun of approximately .22 caliber, 19" barrel with 19 chambers. The round barrel has brass bead sights at the muzzle and has a 1.5" diameter. The top flat of the breechblock is marked Henry...

This civilian Colt 3rd model Dragoon Revolver was manufactured in 1856. The top of the barrel flat is marked "-ADDRESS SAML COLT NEW YORK CITY-" and the left side of the frame is marked "COLTS/PATENT". The matching serial number is found on the...

This is hands down, one of the finest of the ultra-rare and popular Colt Walker Revolvers. From all accounts garnered from those that have examined it, this gun is considered the best condition B-Company example known to exist, and in the top 5 -...

Colt Dragoon holsters are very rare and very hard to come by when trying to complete a rig in a collection. This example may solve such a problem for a lucky collector. This is an excellent example of an original period Dragoon holster made by E....

A very fine Smith & Wesson Volcanic, this gun is in extremely fine condition. At some major auctions, we may leave low-ball bids on as many as 50 - 100 items hoping for a prize or two at a very at a low price. Such was the case with this gun when...

This is a sharp and crisp Colt Third Model Dragoon showing all of its original cylinder scene. The edges, markings and action are all sharp and crisp, and the grips are nice and full. The gun was carefully cleaned at one time and still show slight...

Our customers usually find that the articles they buy from us are actually better than they appear in our photo catalog. However in the case of these two Colt Revolving long-arms, the photos just don't come near to their actual beauty and...

This is a very fine Colt 1860 Army Revolver in an original Colt casing to include all original accessories. The gun shows 85 - 90% original blue to its barrel, 80% blue to the rebate portion of its cylinder and perhaps 70% thin blue over the top...