This 1861-manufactured .31 Colt Pocket with a 6” barrel comes to us in a nice condition, complete with an engraved identification.  At the grip’s backstrap, at the butt of the grip, is the prominent name “S.G. Hyndman”.

Research shows Samuel G. Hyndman was 22-years-old when he enlisted on May 28^th, 1861.  That same day, he mustered into Company G of the 5^th Ohio.  Keen to do his part, he re-enlisted with most of the regiment when their 3-month term of service was up. The regiment spent its first months in (West) Virginia, performing arduous picket duty with near constant skirmishing.  By early 1862, they were positioned to respond to the Confederate campaign in the Shenandoah Valley and fought Stonewall Jackson at each of the engagements of the 1862 Campaign.  In August, the 5^th fought at Cedar Mountain and maneuvered with General Pope’s Army of Virginia, with Lee’s full force moving away from Richmond.

On August 20^th, as the 5^th performed various fatigue duties, Samuel was captured.  He would not re-join his unit until April 6^th, 1863.  Less than a month later, the 5^th was among the last US units to fall back from the Chancellor House at the Battle of Chancellorsville.  Their service at Gettysburg is memorialized by a monument and a plaque near the base of Pardee Field on lower Culp’s Hill, where they bolstered the immediate right flank of General Greene’s line against superior numbers of the enemy.

Given the manufacturing date, it is probable that Sam received or purchased this handy self-defense tool early in his service.  It is unknown whether he received it prior to being captured or after.  If he received it before and actively carried it, it likely became a Confederate weapon.  If he received it upon returning for duty, perhaps to prevent another change to Prisoner of War status, then the pistol was likely on his person at Gettysburg.  The 5th Ohio and the entire 12^th Corps were transferred west and fought to break the siege of Chattanooga to the end of the war.

Samuel’s pistol shows expected by light wear.  The metal surfaces are smooth, with a gray/plum patina over brighter steel.  The serial number “195800” matches across all applicable parts, including the wedge pin. Screws are original with minor wear the rear frame screw head and the screw forward of the wedge pin.  The loading lever assembly is original, but the lever catch has been replaced with that of a M1851 Navy Revolver.  Timing and lockup are excellent and bore shows deep rifling.  Nipples and chambers are dirty but in good condition.  Cylinder scene is still partially visible, Colt’s Patent frame stamp is somewhat worn, and the first few serial numbers on the butt of the grip are obscured from the engraving process (the remaining numbers match – “195” is visible, along with “00”. The walnut grips are similarly nice, with no major dings or dents and minor wear to the finish.  Generally, the pistol shows evidence of firing and use, but not a lot.  Carried often and shot little would be an apt characterization.

With its layers of history, this identified piece would be an exciting addition to any Civil War or Militaria collection.  [cm][ph:L]

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