The main object in the grouping is a Smith and Wesson Number 2 Army  Revolver .32 caliber. This model was the first revolver produced by Smith & Wesson larger than a .22 caliber. Manufactured starting in the summer of 1861 until 1874, with a total production of 77,155. This particular revolver was shipped from the factory on February 18, 1864 and delivered to J. W. Storrs of New York City, who was Smith & Wesson’s sole agent from 1857 to 1869. Factory records indicate it was shipped with a 5” barrel, blue finish and smooth rosewood grips. There was a total of fifty firearms in the shipment.

Engraved on the side panel is, “Captain / Will. Duncan / Co K 15^th Ill. Cav.” This engraving is most likely post-war, being done at the same time as the inscription on the pocket watch, which is a post-war item. Original rosewood grips intact and in very fine condition. Original 5 inch barrel, mechanically perfect. Blued finish has turned to a plum color. Smith & Wesson markings present on top of barrel, and cylinder. All parts original to the revolver.

Captain Duncan’s post-Civil War pocket watch was manufactured in Switzerland for the American market. Back compartment with maker’s name and “Capt. William Duncan / C. K 15^th Regt. Ill. Cav.” Outside case engraved with hunting scene, backside with small village with buildings, mountains, waterways. Inside painted scene of a cavalry officer with his mount. Crack to face, sans the minute hand. Watch does not run!

Small silver hilted dirk. German silver handle with simple stamped design. Small section of pommel missing. Double edged blade, stamped near the ricasso with letter “J” with a star. Embossed leather scabbard with “U * S”.  Measures 7” long with a 4” blade.

Corporal William Duncan was a native of Scotland who settled in Illinois. A resident of the township of Plato in Kane County, he enlisted in the Union Army on August 17, 1861 as a Corporal. On 9/23/61 he mustered into “Smith’s” Co. IL Indpt. Cavalry. On 12/25/62 he transferred into Co. K, 15^th IL Cavalry. Re-enlisted on 12/22/63. Promoted to Captain on 2/28/64. On 1/26/65 he transferred into the 10^th IL Cavalry. Mustered out on 7/15/65.

Kane County had two cavalry regiments, the 13^th Company H and the 15^th regiment with companies G, H, I and K. The 15^th Illinois Cavalry regiment was formed on 12/25/62 through8/25/64. It was then consolidated with the 10^th Cavalry regiment, due partially to battle casualties, under this name on 1/27/65.

Company K served under numerous names, due in part to the circumstances warranted during time of war as commanders changed, were killed, etc. The names are:  Slocum’s Escort, Davis’ Escort, Sherer’s Cavalry Company or Dragoons, Smith (Henry A.) Cavalry Company, Hooker’s Escort and Williams’ Escort. Hooker’s Escort, in which Duncan served, was engaged in several major conflicts as well as numerous skirmishes during the Civil War.

Comes with research and records, and factory letter from Smith & Wesson.   [ws]

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