{"product_id":"original-u-s-civil-war-freemans-patent-44cal-army-percussion-revolver-by-hoards-armory-of-watertown-n-y-serial-331","title":"Original Rare U.S. Civil War Freeman's Patent .44cal Army Percussion Revolver by Hoard's Armory of Watertown, N.Y. - Serial 331","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely example of a rare civil war percussion pistol, produced to compete with the popular Colt and Remington \"Army\" revolvers in .44 caliber. With the large Colt factory fire in February 1864, there was suddenly an opportunity for the smaller makers to capture some of the wartime market. One of these was Hoard's Armory in Watertown, N.Y., who manufactured pistols based on a patent held by Austin T. Freeman. This design resembled both the Remington and Star percussion revolvers of the time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost notable is the interesting method of securing and removing the cylinder: a small switch on the right side that when pressed forward allows the cylinder and pin to fall out to the right. Total production of these revolvers is only estimated at 2,000 units, making every example rare. No contracts are known to have been issued to Hoard's Armory by the Federal Government. However, some may have been purchased and issued by state governments, and others were no doubt purchased privately and carried by soldiers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is in lovely condition, looking to possibly have had the finish touched up at some time during the 20th century. The top of the frame over the cylinder still has the original markings, which are mostly clear:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFREEMAN'S PAT DECR 9. 1862\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHOARD'S ARMORY, WATERTOWN, N.Y.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example looks to have been made early in production, and is marked with serial number \u003cstrong\u003e331\u003c\/strong\u003e on the rear of the cylinder, on the grip frame, and on the inside of both grip scales. The barrel however is marked with number \u003cstrong\u003e784\u003c\/strong\u003e, so it looks like it was swapped out at some point, definitely typical for firearms at a state arsenal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall condition is good with a lovely blue gray finish overall, looking to have had the finish touched up at some point. There does not appear to be any past major oxidation or other rust issues, indicating that the revolver was well cared for, though it definitely does look to have seen a good amount of service. The walnut grips show staining and wear, with some missing wood on the front toe of both sides, however there are no major cracks or other catastrophic damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe revolver functions beautifully, with a strong smooth action and a strong mainspring. It indexes correctly with a solid cylinder lockup, and a crisp dry fire. We have not noticed any of the usual \"finicky\" behavior of the action on this revolver. The loading rammer is functional, and the cylinder release works well, though the retaining spring is a bit sprung, making it very easy to accidently unlatch it. The bore still shows clear rifling but is definitely worn, with signs of past fouling and oxidation having been cleaned away. The cap nipples are all clear and in very good condition, showing some powder burn on the exterior, but no major damage or mushrooming from hammer strikes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lovely example of a hard to find U.S. Civil War Percussion Revolver, the only example that we have ever had! Ready to research and display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:-\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYear of Manufacture: 1863-64\u003cbr\u003eCaliber: .44cal\u003cbr\u003eAmmunition Type: Cap and Ball\u003cbr\u003eBarrel Length: 7 1\/2 inches\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 12 1\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eAction: Single\u003cbr\u003eFeed System: 6 Shot Revolver\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNOTE: 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42173200662597,"sku":"ONCD1142","price":3995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONCD1142__01.jpg?v=1732312115","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-civil-war-freemans-patent-44cal-army-percussion-revolver-by-hoards-armory-of-watertown-n-y-serial-331","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}