This Special Model 1861 by Colt was captured by the Confederates and was then cleaned and/or repaired for reissue to their forces. This fact is evidenced by the letter “Z” stamped in the wood forward of the trigger guard.

The barrel of this weapon was made by the Lamson, Goodnow & Yale Company and was added in place of the Colt manufactured barrel by either the original owner or the Confederates. The barrel surface is bright and clean with just the faintest hint of pitting in some small areas. Blued rear sight with two flip-up leaves is present as is the iron blade front sight. Left barrel flat is stamped with a faint “VP” and eagle head. Top of the breech has a worn date of 186? Bore is bright with good rifling. It is mostly clean with only small areas of dust or dirt. The original nipple is present and in good condition. Most of the eagle stamped on the bolster is gone.

The lock matches the barrel in appearance with a very crisp “1862” stamped behind the hammer. Forward of the hammer is a crisp “U.S.” over “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT.” Action is excellent and works properly.

The wood stock has some of the original feathered finish on the butt. Though there are numerous small scratches, dings and dents throughout, there are no cracks. No cartouche marks are present. The ramrod channel shows very little wear and the nose cap is steel. The iron buttplate has a crisp “U.S.” on the tang.

All three barrel bands are present and held by screws and not springs. Each band is clearly stamped with a centered “U.” Both sling swivels are present as is the full-length straight shank iron ramrod with tulip head and threaded tip.

Of this weapon Captain Knott writes:

In his book titled “CAPTURED & COLLECTED: CONFEDERATE REISSUED FIREARMS” Capt. Steven W. Knott, USN (ret.)  says “The “Z” stamp is the second most common of the captured & repaired letters and therefore likely corresponds to Captain Louis Zimmer assigned to the Richmond Arsenal/Artillery Workshop.”

A very nice example of a captured and reissued Southern weapon.  [ad]

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