Sidearms & Scatterguns How about an antique sidearm?

[ArmedGinger]

So I just came to the conclusion that I may have a revolver in my possession that was at the Sand Creek Massacre. It was purchased by an ancestor privately as a backup piece while he was a member of the 1st Colorado Cavalry. The gun was manufactured in 1863 and he had purchased it later that year or early to mid 1864. The massacre happened in November of 1864 and he was then discharged from the 1st Colorado Cavalry the following year. I have his actual discharge papers in my possession showing the unit and the date.

 

[roostercogburn98]

How about a picture of an antique sidearm

 

[ArmedGinger]

How about a picture of an antique sidearm

Crap didn't realize I forgot to attach it, one sec

 

[roostercogburn98]

cool revolver and possibly some real history on it. Some days I miss my 1860 I had, but it was in rough shape so maybe another one some day. Cool old piece sure though!

 

[Downtown]

Anyone know if Colt letters can go back that far?

 

[ArmedGinger]

Anyone know if Colt letters can go back that far?

Yes an no. If I remember correctly Colt had a fire and lost a huge part of their records or something like that? For an 1851 Colt they can only offer records from serial numbers 98,000 to 132,000. Anything before or after that they can't.

 

[isofahunter]

Anyone know if Colt letters can go back that far?

1861

 

[isofahunter]

I had to go look, oldest I have is 1891.

 

[roostercogburn98]

Current oldest is a lightning that is 1882/83 if I member right.

 

[Downtown]

Wow, that Lightning is in beautiful shape!

 

[ArmedGinger]

 

[sirhrmechanic]

On a serious note... very cool and with great provenance. Colt may not be able to help, but there are some collectors and museums that can. PM me if you like.

There is a good chance that the Army Ordnance Museum at Aberdeen, MD may have records. Or can point you in the right direction. If the guns were supplied through the USA and not purchased direct by the Colorado Cavalry. I am pretty sure though that in 1864, when the massacre took place, the troopers would have been equipped and commanded by the War Department. The fact that there was a federal inquiry in the aftermath helps indicate that.

The big unknown is that, if as you indicated, he purchased it himself, then it may not be in any of the USA records. Though I am not sure if Colt was still doing civilian sales by 1864? I believe they were at some level. Or perhaps it was a gun he purchased used, in which case even Colt records would show nothing.

Out of curiosity, is it US Marked? Is there an inspectors Cartouche on the grip panel? Those will help you immensely!

Very cool piece of history. Amazing provenance. Insure it well!!!

Sirhr

 

[ArmedGinger]

Out of curiosity, is it US Marked? Is there an inspectors Cartouche on the grip panel? Those will help you immensely!

The gun was purchased by Judson Clark with his own money as a back up to the issued revolver Judson received from the Government, the the 1851 Colt doesn't have an Inspector's mark. Somewhere there is a letter that he wrote to his father mentioning this.