Original U.S. Civil War 23rd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment Inscribed Presentation Cased Metropolitan Police Revolvers To Lt. William J. Creasey with Accessories and Research
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Original Items – One of a Kind Set. Offered here is a truly exceptional and historically significant pair of Civil War–era Metropolitan Arms Co. .36 caliber Police percussion revolvers, presented to Lt. William J. Creasey of the 23rd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment for his service at the Battle of Roanoke and the Battle of New Bern. From his obituary: "On President Lincoln's call for volunteers, on the breaking out of the war, Mr. Creasey raised a company of volunteers and started out to fight for the principles of his country. After remaining a short time he returned and organized a company from Newburyport which afterwards joined a New York regiment and the Burnside Expedition in North Carolina."
Both revolvers remain in excellent condition and are housed in a beautiful custom wood presentation case lined in blue velvet plush fabric, complete with outstanding period accessories.
Presentation Inscription & Civil War Attribution
Revolver serial number 6788 bears the presentation engraving:
Wm J. Creasey, Newburyport, October 1861 on the back of the grip strap, with additional inscription on the bottom of the grip strap:
Roanoke, Feb 8/62
March 14, Newburn
Lt. Creasey enlisted on September 11, 1861, and served until July 24, 1862, when severe illness forced him from service. The inscriptions commemorate the key engagements of his military career:
The Battle of Roanoke Island – February 8, 1862
The Battle of New Bern – March 14, 1862
Both were decisive early Union victories during Gen. Ambrose Burnside’s North Carolina Expedition. These battles secured key waterways and supply centers for the Union and tightened federal control along the North Carolina coast.
As the dates engraved on the revolver predate their manufacture, this pair was presented to Lt. Creasey after he returned home, honoring his service and participation in these pivotal battles. Internet research has confirmed that he was presented other arms by the people of Newburyport, including a Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine on June 11, 1869, as well as apparently at least one other gun, and possibly more. The Coastal city, located in Essex County, Massachusetts, had a population of around 13,000 in the Civil War Era, and Creasey must have been very well respected in the community.
The set includes research materials on Lt. Creasey and the 23rd Massachusetts Infantry, fully documenting his service.
Condition & Mechanical Details
There are two revolvers in the set, both in excellent condition, showing little use in service, though displaying honest wear from age and cleaning.
- Bores on both are virtually unfired
- Both are fully functional
- Neither has a half-cock position, which may be part of the design
- Both retain significant original bluing on barrels and cylinders
- Case-colored frames have faded
- Silver plating on the frames shows some wear
- Grips are in excellent condition, retaining all original “Piano Varnish” finish
These were presentation pieces and likely spent little time out of their case, though they may have been displayed.
Revolver #1 – Serial 6788 (Presentation Engraved)
This revolver represents the earlier unmarked variation without the Metropolitan barrel address. Aside from serial numbers, the only marking is “36CAL” on the left side of the trigger guard.
- Known serial range for these unmarked revolvers: 11xx–18xx and 1950–2400
- Five-shot fluted cylinder serial: 2125 (within known range)
- All other parts (wedge, arbor pin, lever marked “88”) are numbered 6788
- Highest known recorded Police model serial: 3850
We assume the cylinder serial (2125) is the correct number, and that the 6788 markings were applied in error, as they exceed known Metropolitan Police serial ranges. Due to limited surviving company records, this remains an unsolved historical mystery.
Revolver #2 – Serial 1863 (Fully Matching)
This example features the correct barrel address:
METROPOLITAN ARMS Co. NEW - YORK
- “36CAL” marked on left side of frame
- Serial number 1863 matching on all marked parts
- Loading rammer stamped “63”
- Cylinder arbor pin unmarked
A fine and correct example of the Metropolitan Police model.
Custom Cased Presentation Set with Accessories
The custom wood presentation case measures approximately: 11 3/8" x 10 1/4" x 2 1/8". Interior compartments are lined in blue velvet plush fabric and contain:
- COLTS PATENT marked bullet mold (round and conical), with integrated casting stem nipper
- Bronze powder flask marked E PLURIBUS UNUM, with Federal Eagles under thirteen stars on both sides
- Oiler
- Cap nipple cone wrench
- TWO lacquered percussion cap tins stamped ELEY LONDON
- Compartment containing round lead bullets
- Original unopened package of paper cartridges for the pistol in 36/100 inch Calibre
- TWO keys (one original and one modern production), both functional
The case may be locked; however, we do not recommend operating the lock while the lid is closed.
23rd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment History
The 23rd Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was formed September 28, 1861, in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. It comprised companies from Essex, Bristol, Plymouth, Middlesex, and Worcester counties and was commanded by Col. John Kurtz. The regiment served in:
- Burnside’s North Carolina Expedition
- Battle of Roanoke Island (February 8, 1862)
- Battle of New Bern (March 14, 1862)
- Goldsborough Expedition
- Charleston Expedition
- Bermuda Hundred Campaign
- Cold Harbor
- Siege of Petersburg
- Wyse Fork (March 8, 1865)
- The regiment was mustered out June 25, 1865, with final discharge July 5, 1865, in Readville, Massachusetts.
Lt. Creasey’s service falls squarely within the regiment’s early-war North Carolina operations, making this presentation pair directly tied to documented Union campaign history.
Specifications
- Year of Manufacture: 1864–1865
- Caliber: .36
- Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
- Barrel Length: 4 1/2 inches
- Overall Length: 9 1/2 inches
- Action: Single Action
- Feed System: 5-Shot Revolver
History of the Metropolitan Arms Company
Established in February 1864 in New York, Metropolitan Arms Company produced copies of the Colt Model 1851 Navy, Model 1861 Navy, and Model 1862 Police revolvers. Principal officers included Samuel and William Syms (formerly of Blunt & Syms).
Production (1864–1866) coincided with Colt’s manufacturing shutdown following the February 4, 1864 fire that destroyed much of the Hartford plant. During this period Metropolitan produced approximately:
- 6,000 copies of the 1851 Navy
- Fewer than 50 copies of the 1861 Navy
- Approximately 2,750 Pocket Police models
The company was not dissolved until 1920. Metropolitan revolvers were so close to Colt designs that they are often difficult to distinguish.
A True Civil War Officer’s Presentation Set
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a named and inscribed Civil War presentation pair of Metropolitan “Pocket Police” revolvers attributed to a documented Union officer, complete with period accessories, custom case, and research materials. An exceptional, one-of-a-kind Civil War officer’s revolver set — ideal for the advanced collector of U.S. Civil War arms and identified regimental artifacts.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey, and New York
This product is not available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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