This is one of an estimated 500 Army Model 1861 Signal Pistols manufactured by William Marston of New York. The two-piece body of the pistol is of cast brass. The hammer, trigger and internal parts are iron. It is made up of two halves that are held together with two screws.

This pistol used the Coston Light System which did not propel the flare into the air. The flare burned while affixed to the pistol, which acted as the igniter and receptacle for it.

On the underside, "U.S. ARMY SIGNAL PISTOL/A.J.M 1861" is stamped ahead of the trigger and the serial number "66" is stamped near the iron clip that secured the flare in the muzzle.

This is an excavated relic and shows appropriate patina on brass and iron parts. This specimen also features an interesting field repair. One of the brass frame halves cracked and was repaired by reinforcing with a fitted piece of sheet iron. This patch is secured by two iron rivets. Potentially a southern repair since getting a replacement was much less likely than for a northern signalman.

This is a very interesting relic from the Civil War signal service.  [jet]

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!