Original Items: One-of-a-kind Set. This is a fantastic boxed collector set from the Civil war, containing many items that the Union Soldier used during the war, and some acquired post war as part of various veteran's organizations. The set is housed inside a lovely wooden box measuring 24"W x 18" x 3", with a well padded interior that supports the many items in the collection. This is covered by a glazed lid that folds down, and has latches at the top along with a carry handle.

From what we can gather, the owner had been part of the Union 6th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, a peacetime infantry regiment that was activated for federal service in the Union army for three separate terms during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Included with the set is a copy of a civil war tin type showing 5 Union Soldiers, with a note on the back regarding the unit. For more information on that unit please see the quite detailed page on Wikipedia: 6th Massachusetts Militia Regiment. We assume that the family kept the original tin type, and replaced the one that was in the set to keep it.

The items housed inside this wonderful set include:

- A Colt Model 1849 .31cal Pocket Percussion Revolver, Serial Number 205568, described below.

- Original .31cal bullet mold

- Original Leather Belt and Flap Holster for the above revolver, in used condition, with the expected age related deterioration.

- Original embossed brass powder flask for use with the revolver.

- Original embossed metal match box with a block of 12 Civil War period wooden matches inside.

- Original Civil War Horse Saddle "Concho" Leather Rosettes, two large and two small, secured together with a strip of leather.

- EX-PRISONERS OF WAR ANNUAL REUNION ribbon from September 1882 in Topeka Kansas.

- Late 19th Century Grand Army of the Republic Veteran pin

- Brass Union Ex-Prisoner of War pin by H. DAVIS & SON PHILA.

- Small U.Ex.P.W. (Union Ex Prisoner of War) button hole pin.

- Three Small Carved Bone Religious Emblems.

Unfortunately, this set was received without any information regarding the name of the owner, so we have not been able to do any preliminary research. However with the photo and information about the unit, and that the owner was a P.O.W., it may be possible for a motivated researcher to put the story together. Even without identification, this is a great one of a kind U.S. Civil War set, with some great items.

This would make a magnificent display piece as part of any collection!

More about the Percussion Revolver in this set:
The Colt "Pocket Percussion" Model 1849 revolvers in .31cal are essentially scaled down versions of the larger Navy Model 1851 in .36cal, and were developed concurrently. The serial Number 205568 can be found on the barrel, frame, trigger guard and grip frame, which indicates indicates the year of manufacture as 1862. The loading rammer and cylinder arbor pin have shortened number 5568, while the barrel wedge and cylinder are marked 05568. This makes this a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example of the M1849 Pocket revolver.

As this revolver has a serial number over 187000, it has a six round .31 caliber cylinder, instead of the previous five. It also features a standard 5" barrel, and is in very nice condition with nice aged finish on the steel. The Colt New York single line address is still fully legible across the top of the octagonal barrel -

The cylinder on this example actually still has most of the original "Stagecoach Holdup" cylinder scene, as well as the COLTS PATENT marking over the serial number. Almost all of the M1849 pocket revolvers we see have the cylinder scene mostly or completely worn away, so seeing one is a real treat! It also has the correct COLTS PATENT on the left frame under the cylinder, though there is no caliber marking on the trigger guard.

The walnut grips are in very good shape, with a lovely color and most of the original "piano varnish" finish still present, except on the bottoms where it has worn away. There are some small scratches and dents, but no major cracks or chunks missing.

The revolver functions well, with a crisp action and good cylinder indexing and lockup. The trigger is well adjusted and there is no issues with dry firing. We did not notice any of the finicky behavior we often see with these old revolvers. The bore shows clear lands and grooves, with a partly bright finish showing light wear and oxidation overall. All 6 cap nipple cones are intact, though they do show some oxidation and powder burn to the exterior, and some are clogged.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: 1863
Caliber: .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 10 inches
Action: Single Action Percussion
Feed System: 6 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.