Presented here is a classic Colt cap and ball pistol commonly referred to as the 1849 Pocket Model revolver. This personal sidearm, in good original condition throughout, is identified to Captain Samuel Parker. We have just cursory data on Parker and no research has been done on him. The twenty-six-year old civilian enlisted in the army on July 20, 1862 at Oswegathie, New York as a Captain of Infantry. He soon mustered into Co “C”, 106^th Infantry on August 27, 1862.

This regiment was a St. Lawrence County unit that organized at Ogdensburg, NY and subsequently took part in a number of major and minor engagements of the war.  Included in those actions were Fairmount and Martinsburg, WV, Culpepper, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna River, Totopotomy, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Monocacy, MD, Opequan, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek, Sailor’s Creek, Hatcher’s Run, and Appomattox. Captain Parker served with the regiment most of his term and was transferred to Co. E on March 15, 1863. Parker was again in action at Fishers Hill in the Shenandoah Valley where he was severely wounded on Sep 22, 1864. Unfortunately he died of his wounds on October 1, 1864.

Parker’s Colt M1849 revolver bears all matching serial numbers of #29335 indicating production in 1862, the second year of the Civil War. Sidearm has been cleaned at one time and the gunmetal has lost its original finish and casehardening over the years. It does show some of the silver wash plating on the triggerguard and buttplate. Overall, the gun color is a dark brown patina. Octagonal barrel has light to moderate pitting on the barrel facets and also on the cylinder, and frame. Revolver is mechanically strong and has crisp action. Grips are of one-piece walnut, strong and tight, with no trace of shrinkage. Remnants of the factory varnish is still visible on both grips. Has few, very minor wood dings from storage but the left, lower front corner edge has a large, old (1/4”) chip missing. Brass butt strap and triggerguard are brass and exhibit traces of the original silver wash. On backstrap is engraved a very clear inscription that reads “Cpt. Samuel Parker /106^th Rgmt N. Y. V. I.”. Found on the butt plate is another inscription that reads “Dr. M. A. During” but no research has been done on the doctor as yet.

This artifact and its history is a project that is calling for help. Specimen features a seldom seen 6” octagonal barrel matched to a .31 caliber, five-shot cylinder that holds much of the roll pressed engraving featuring the ‘stagecoach holdup’ scene. Cylinder nipples are good save for one nipple that has split and lost most of its body. Also clearly visible on the cylinder is the “COLT’S PATENT / No. 29335” stamping. Barrel markings exhibit “ADDRESS SAML COLT / NEW YORK CITY” on top to the far right of the barrel. The standard “COLTS / PATENT” is also stamped on the left side of the frame, clear and strong. All frame screws are original and in very good condition. All exterior surfaces of the barrel, frame, cylinder and hammer bear light to moderate pitting.

Revolver comes with cursory information on Parker from the American Civil War Research database program. This original M1849 Pocket Revolver battle veteran is a fine, identified Colt percussion firearm specimen that would fit ideally in any New York Civil War collection.

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