Smith & Wesson No.2 revolver with “LT. JAMES HERSH / Co. I 87 REGT. P.V.” engraved on the backstrap and bears serial number 4521.

Weapon has a 5.00 inch long octagon barrel that is .32 caliber. Barrel surface is gray with light scattered mottling. Front sight is blade type and the top of the barrel has a very strong stamping that reads “SMITH & WESSON, SPRINGFIELD, MASS.” Ejector is mounted below the barrel. Weapon swings open properly. Bore is very clean with good rifling.

Six-shot cylinder is marked with faint but readable patent dates and scattered light pitting.

Frame shows hints that the weapon may have been silver plated at one time. There is also some light surface pitting along the top edge. Hammer has no half-cock but does hold at full-cock and falls properly. Weapon also indexes properly.

Grips are in excellent condition. Screw heads show light wear.

Revolver is tight overall but forward of the cylinder there is a small bit of wiggle.

James Hersh was born on January 24, 1833 in New Oxford, Adams County, Pennsylvania, only approximately 10 miles west of Gettysburg. He was one of 14 children!

He was commissioned a 2^nd Lieutenant in Company I, 87^th Pennsylvania Infantry on September 12, 1861 having enrolled the previous August 27^th. The regiment was sent to Virginia and assigned to the 8^th Corps of the Middle Department.

On March 1, 1863 Lt. Hersh was assigned as Regimental Quartermaster and in March of 1863 was promoted to 1^st Lieutenant. He was present with his regiment during their first skirmish at Bunker Hill, Virginia on June 13, 1863 and was captured at Winchester two days later. While a prisoner Hersh was confined at Libby Prison in Richmond, Va. and Macon, Ga. Before being paroled at City Point on March 14, 1864 and was ordered to Camp Parole, Maryland but due to his run down condition he requested leave to recover at home which was granted.

Hersh was finally declared exchanged and was ordered to re-join the 87^th on May 24, 1864 and he arrived at the front on June 2nd. Once back at the front he was unable to fully function and requested a 20 day leave which was granted. He returned to the regiment in time to be mustered out on October 13, 1864.

After his discharge Hersh returned to Adams County where he served as Sheriff from 1872-1873 and took a keen interest in politics attaching himself to the Republican Party. He was one of the delegates that nominated James A. Garfield for President and was an active member of the GAR.

At some point Hersh made the short move from New Oxford to Gettysburg and worked a 1500 acre farm.

James Hersh died in Gettysburg on August 4, 1912 at the age of 79. He left behind his wife and two sons. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Gettysburg. Read Mr. Hersh's obituary here.

Accompanied by military & pension records from the National Archives.   [ad]

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