This is a Model 1851 Colt Navy cap and ball revolver identified to Private Simon P. Arbe of the 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Simon Arbe entered service in C Troop, 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry as a Private on 12 September, 1861. Arbe was captured by Confederate forces on 12 October, 1863. At that time his unit was operating in Prince William County, near Bristoe Station, Virginia. Unfortunately for Private Arbe, he was sent to the Andersonville Prison in Georgia. There he contracted dysentery, and died 27 April, 1864. He is buried in the Andersonville National Cemetery, Andersonville, Ga. in grave #758. Amazingly, Arbe's revolver survived the war. The serial number 98208 puts this one in the production year of 1861. The 7 1/2" barrel has visible rifling and a bright clean bore. The single line Sam Colt HARTFORD CT address is clearly visible. The Colt patent mark and the cylinder scene are also very legible. That's pretty impressive for a Navy that's 156 years old! There is one sub inspectors mark on the gun, a G on the left trigger assembly The serial numbers are very crisp and match, including that dang little wedge. The wedge screw is missing but could easily be replaced at the new owners request. There is a problem with the mechanics, the cylinder does not index properly when the hammer is cocked, a common failure with these 150 plus year old Colts. This problem too can be repaired at the owners request.The barrel, cylinder and frame have some bluing remaining. The loading lever has a decent amount of blue remaining. Some silver wash remains on the trigger guard and forward part of the trigger assembly. The brass has a soft golden patina, very eyepleasing. Scratched into the backstrap is "PA 4" and ARBE is scratched into the bottom strap. The walnut grips have about 50 - 60% of the original varnish remaining. They fit the gun like a glove and have no nicks or dings, almost perfect! Although this gun started out the war on the Union side of things it is very probable that it went into Confederate service when Arbe was captured. A nice informational booklet that documents Simon Arbe's enlistment, capture, death and internment in the Andersonville National Cemetery will accompany this fine revolver to it's new owner. Also included in the booklet is a roster of the 4th Pa Cavalry, battle summary of the unit, regimental history and after action reports of the 4th PA Cavalry. The only piece missing is what happened to the revolver after Arbe was captured and where it turned up! Regardless of which side it resided with, this one will make a great addition to your Civil War weapons collection!

Item # AA1146

(Sold)