The Massachusetts Arms Company of Chicopee Falls, Mass., produced 1,000 of these hand guns between 1851 and 1857. Officially known as a Maynard Primed Belt Model Revolver, it is often called a John Brown Model.

This revolver specimen is identified to Private Benjamin West of Co. G, 57^th New York Volunteer Infantry. Benjamin West was a twenty-four-year-old resident of New York City when he enlisted in the Union Army for three years on October 1, 1961 as a private. Unfortunately, Benjamin was killed in action less than one year from his enlistment on September 17, 1862 at the bloody battle of Antietam, Maryland.

The hard fought 57^th New York regiment subsequently saw service at Manassas Junction, VA, Present at Fair Oaks, the Seven Days, at 2^nd Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, the Wilderness, Petersburg, Weldon Railroad and at Reams Station, VA in 1864. The 57^th suffered heavily at Antietam with 98 soldiers lost in killed and wounded, including Private Benjamin West. No further research completed on West at this point.

The young soldier’s Mass Arms Maynard-primed belt revolver, likely a private purchase, has his hand-scratched identification on the upper back strap which reads “West Co G + 57 Regt N Y V”. Revolver is a .31 caliber sidearm fitted with a long 6” round barrel and a six-shot, plain face cylinder. A broad, scroll design is engraved on the receiver, frame, hammer, and on the lock’s pivoting side plate. When opened, the pivoting plate reveals a compartment for a small roll of waterproof Maynard Tape Primers to be inserted for cartridge ignition. Centered on the side plate is an engraved design of a large spreadwinged eagle. Above eagle in an arc is marked “MAYNARD’S PATENT” while below the eagle is “SEP 22, 1845”.

Face of the cylinder is slightly concave. Unique to this revolver is the small cylindrical release button placed inside the triggerguard just ahead of the trigger to allow for indexing. All gun metal has no original coloring save for a smooth coat of plum patina and rust. Does not appear to have been cleaned. A good set of two-piece, varnished walnut grips is featured with a rounded butt shape profile. In mechanically crisp condition.

Calls for further research. This rare, identified, Mass Arms Co. Maynard Primed belt revolver makes a unique addition to any collection of New York Civil War artifacts or secondary sidearms.

Accompanied by a brief amount of research material.

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