Revolver is serial number 28175. It is engraved on the backstrap “W. E LOVEGROVE, CO. K, 54^TH REG. MASS. VS.” The number “54” has an “X” over it with the number “42^nd” underneath.

Revolver is in good condition. A good bit of the original bluing remains on the barrel and ejector, very little on the cylinder. Crisp stamping on top of the barrel reads “SMITH & WESSON, SPRINGFIELD, MASS.” Silver plating has worn thin on the frame and backstrap causing some of the brass to show through. Rosewood grips are in good condition with light wear to bottom edge. Breakdown mechanism works smoothly. Three patent dates on cylinder are light. Action is poor. Cylinder indexes okay but hammer does not stop at half cock. It will go to full cock but does not fall when the trigger is squeezed.

William E. Lovegrove was born June 1, 1833 in Connecticut. At some point he moved to Massachusetts. He was a 29-year-old farmer when he enlisted as a Private in Captain Davis Company of the 54^th Regiment Massachusetts Militia at Warren on September 20, 1862. Sometime between October and December of 1862 the Companies designation was changed to Company K, 42^nd Regiment Massachusetts Infantry which accounts for the correction to the inscription on the backstrap of the weapon. From the records it appears that Private Lovegrove was present throughout his service that took place in Louisiana. The regiment was active around New Orleans and at Port Hudson. Private Lovegrove was promoted to Corporal on June 30, 1863 and was mustered out on August 20, 1863. After the war he returned to Massachusetts where he worked as a tinsmith. He married in 1865 and raised a family. He died on May 9, 1893 in Providence, Rhode Island. He is buried there in the North Burial Ground. Military records from the National Archives accompany item. There is no pension record, as he never applied for one.

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