VERY RARE EARLY PRE- CONTRACT FREEMAN REVOLVER WITH A GETTYSBURG CONNECTION

VERY RARE EARLY PRE- CONTRACT FREEMAN REVOLVER WITH A GETTYSBURG CONNECTION

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$3,750.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 2026-887

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

The Freeman Army is a scarce .44 caliber, 6-shot, single-action percussion revolver. Approximately 2,000 were produced by Hoard's Armory in Watertown, New York from 1863. These were earmarked for the US Army, none were officially purchased, but deliveries were made beginning in the fall of 1863, some were acquired by state governments, retailers, or were privately purchased.  At least one identified example has been traced by us to a captain in a Pennsylvania Cavalry regiment.  Ordnance Department ledgers contain numerous entries for small lots of revolvers purchased on the open market, including Freemans’; however, these other similar revolvers were different than the Gettysburg retrieved example we are offering. Other than the extremely low serial number "94" on the left side frame and under the grips (which is very different than the "regulation" pattern that is the first batch of 500 delivered in the fall of 1863 with the serial numbers in a totally different places and on multi-components) the screw heads  securing the frame together are on the right side not the left as typically found. Additionally, the front site is a small bead (or post), not a blade. The only conclusion one can draw is that this an early "variant" and a pre-general production-run revolver made in late 1862 or early 1863. It would therefore have been a private purchase.

Known for a distinct, quick-release cylinder pin, this revolver was designed by Austin T. Freeman, who formerly worked for the Starr Arms Co. It features a 7.5-inch round barrel, a solid frame, and a proprietary "quick-change" cylinder system designed to allow for rapid reloads. The design is something of a hybrid, sharing features with both Remington and Starr revolvers of the day. The top of the frame is well worn but reads: “FREEMAN'S PATENT DECR. 9, 1862" across from "HOARD'S ARMORY, WATERTOWN, N.Y.”  All parts are a gun metal gray color none retain their original blue finishes. At one time the revolver was heavily patinated or rust covered, and a subsequent cleaning has created a brighter surface. This surface is lightly mottled and pitted overall, but considering the arm was found subsequent to the battle of Gettysburg this is understandable and acceptable.  The cylinder is secured by Freeman’s patent arbor system, and all mechanics operate well, with tight lockup and good timing. The serial number "94" appears on the frame, under the grips on the back strap, and on the loading lever mechanism; it may be an assembly number rather than a serial number since later Freeman's have serial numbers on all major components. The wood 2 slab grips have a deep color and are in a nice condition with minor chipping and some abrasions.

This revolver was recently acquired by the Horse Soldier from the now closed Stone House Museum in Upper New York State and bears their number "P-17" on a small green sticky tag. There it was catalogued as "Gettysburg Recovered".

Desirable not only for the US martial collector because it is an early variant, but also for the historian because it was carried on the Gettysburg battlefield.  [pe][ph:L]

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