This relic model 1851 Colt Navy is serial number 70247 and was made early to mid-1857. The weapon is complete except for the upper part of the grip frame and wood grips. Serial number is visible and matches on the triggerguard, frame and loading lever. Cylinder, hammer and loading lever are frozen. The 7.50 inch octagonal barrel is very dark like all the metal surfaces and shows heavy to severe pitting over 50% of the barrel. The barrel address is still visible and mostly readable. The six-shot cylinder is in like condition with four of the six uncapped nipples present and two chambers still loaded. The wedge pin is present. There no marks visible on the frame which is pitted to match the cylinder and barrel. The bottom section of the brass grip frame is present and is semi-bright as is the triggerguard.

Item was dug in eastern Missouri.

The revolver is identified via regimental ordnance records to Thomas W. Priddy was born in Floyd County, Virginia on February 1, 1823. He was 39 years old and living in Burlington, Iowa when he enlisted as a Private in Company F, 1^st Iowa Cavalry on August 30, 1862. At the time he was described as 6 feet tall with hazel eyes, black hair and a dark complexion.

The 1^st Iowa was assigned to Missouri and saw action there as well as in Arkansas and Tennessee. Priddy was assigned as the Company Teamster on December 18, 1862 and was mounted on his own horse and equipment. Priddy was present almost constantly missing only a short time in March or April 1863. On January 1, 1864 he re-enlisted. The muster out roll for his first enlistment says he was present at Prairie Grove, Van Buren, skirmishing in Missouri, Bayou Metoe and Little Rock. Now a Veteran Volunteer Priddy was promoted to 2^nd Corporal on October 31, 1864 and to Corporal August 3, 1865 before being mustered out on February 15, 1866 at Austin, Texas. During his second enlistment Priddy was in a number of small skirmishes in Arkansas.

Priddy returned to Iowa after the war where his wife Catherine was waiting for him. They had been married in January of 1860 after Priddy divorced his first wife in 1859. He had no children. He applied for and received a Pension from the Government and lived until April 20, 1907 when he died of “Senility-and chills and fever.” He is buried in Aspen Grove Cemetery, Burlington, Iowa.

The soldier’s full military and pension records, as well as copies of pages from the company order book, from the National Archives come with the relic.  [AD]

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