MODEL 1849 POCKET COLT REVOLVER ID’D TO ASST. SURGEON JAMES C. BASSETT, 29TH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY & U.S. NAVY

$3,250.00 SOLD

Quantity Available: None

Item Code: 172-5351

Back strap presentation engraving: “Present to J. C. Bassett.” Six shot percussion, five inch octagonal barrel w/Colt company markings. All serial numbers matching (wedge included), 147760. Exhibits slight pitting and light dings (especially around the wedge). Silver wash over brass backstrap and trigger area is moderately worn. Stage coach cylinder scene slightly pitted but visible. Cylinder indexing action crisp. Bore dusty and slightly pitted, as is barrel end. Walnut grips display light dings customary w/age and usage. Else VG, and, with its crisp action, highly attractive.

Born in 1829 in Jackson, New Hampshire, James C. Bassett was a resident of Charleston, MA, who was commissioned as an Asst. Surgeon into the Field & Staff of the 29th Mass. Infantry, 8/20/1862. He resigned for reasons of family health on 2/27/1863. He is also listed as having served as an Asst. Surgeon in the U.S. Navy, being appointed on January 13, 1865, and honorably discharged on October 10, 1865.

Bassett’s unit, the 29th Mass., was organized at Newport News, VA., in August 1861. In June 1862 it was attached to the 2nd Corps, AOP, and was engaged during McClellan’s Peninsula Campaign. During surgeon Bassett’s time with the unit, it was engaged in the Battles of Antietam and Fredericksburg, and participated in the infamous January 1863 “Mud March.” Afterwards it was transferred to the Western theater, participating in the Siege of Vicksburg, then serving with the 9th Corps, participating in the Siege of Knoxville. Back with the Army of Potomac it participated in the Rapidan Campaign and was present at Cold Harbor, and on through the Siege of Petersburg, which it occupied in April 1865. Assigned to provost duty in Washington, DC, is was mustered out 7/29/ 1865. During service it lost 57 men killed and mortally wounded and 99 by disease for a total of 156.

Bassett died in 1897 and is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Tamworth, Carroll County, NH.

Superb ID’D pocket model ’49 Colt. The fact of presentation to a medical officer indicates that Surgeon Bassett was highly regarded within the 29th Mass. Infantry. Excellent collectible. Accompanied by military & pension records from the National Archives.  [jp]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!

Inquire About MODEL 1849 POCKET COLT REVOLVER ID’D TO ASST. SURGEON JAMES C. BASSETT, 29TH MASSACHUSETTS INFANTRY & U.S. NAVY

For inquiries, please email us at [email protected]

featured item

VERY RARE REVOLUTIONARY WAR 84th REGIMENT, ROYAL HIGHLAND EMIGRANTS, CARTRIDGE BOX PLATE, ONE OF FIVE KNOWN

This is one of five known examples of the rare cartridge box plate worn by the Royal Highland Emigrants, the 84th Regiment of Foot, in the Revolutionary War. These are identical to the plates worn by the 71st Regiment and were certainly produced by… (844-32). Learn More »

Upcoming Events

29
Mar

April 13-14: Spring Gettysburg Military Antiques Show Learn More »

Instagram