This is a beautiful Smith & Wesson, No. 2, Old Model Army Revolver. It is a .32 caliber, six-shot revolver with a 6” barrel, pearl handles, and full plate finish. Serial number 17,152 which was shipped from the factory on or about August 29, 1863. Identified to Charles Gibbs of the 25^th Massachusetts Infantry. Gibbs was wounded and captured at Cold Harbor. He later died while at Camp Parole in Annapolis, Maryland. The pistol was taken from Gibbs by Ratliff Boon who served in Carlton’s Company of Georgia Artillery (Troup County Artillery). They served as part of Cobb’s Legion and later in Longstreet’s Corps.

All gun metal is plated and in excellent condition; bright with scattered patches of darker tarnish. Fancy floral engraving on the barrel, frame, backstrap, and cylinder stop. A very few, and small spots of wear to the plating on the cylinder. Pearl handles are bright and opalescent. There is a small “ding” on the metal in the rear corner of the strap at the butt and also very minor damage to the pearl handle in that same location. Clearly stamped on the top of the barrel is: “SMITH & WESSON, SPRINGFIELD, MASS.” Bore is clean and sharp. Mechanics are strong.

The accompanying black leather holster is in good condition. It features an integral flap, a brass finial, closed end cap, and single narrow belt loop. Oval maker’s stamp on flap is partially visible, “BOSTON” can be read at the bottom. Stitching along seam is strong. Belt loop is loose. There are scattered scuffs and cracking to the finish, but leather is soft and supple.

The identification comes in the form of a letter from Smith & Wesson dated 2013. The letter provides a description of the gun, date of shipment, and the name of the recipient (Charles Gibbs, Springfield, MA). The Confederate identification comes from an old tag with the gun. The tag with old manual typewriter information, reads: “Fancy yankee pistol captured by R H Boon at Cold Harbor 1864. Return to RC Boon” on one side and “RC Boon Jefferson Georgia” on the other. The pistol remained in the possession of the Boon family and was on loan to their local UCV Post which is probably where the tag originated. A binder of research accompanies the group.  [jet]

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