Rogers & Spencer Army Model 1864, Cartridge Converted, Civil War Era Blue 7 ½” 6-Shot, Single Action Revolver, MFD 1865 Antique
Sold For: $1,655.00
LSB#: 161129LV81
Make: Rogers & Spencer
Model: Army Model 1864, Cartridge Converted Revolver
Serial Number: 1299
Year of Manufacture: 1865
Caliber: .45 Centerfire
Action Type: 6-Shot, Single Action Percussion Revolver
Markings: The top of the frame is marked “ROGERS & SPENCER / UTICA, N.Y.”, the underside is marked with serial number “1299”, found again on the left of the frame, cylinder, butt of the grip frame, inside of the grip panels and on top of the cylinder pin and lever items. The left of the barrel and frame have inspector mark “H”, the right of the items are marked “B”, the underside of the frame is marked “X”, the trigger guard is marked “I”. The left grip panel has a faint inspector mark “RPB”.
Barrel Length: 7 ½”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a domed bead, screwed into the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the frame.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are varnished walnut with matching serial numbers to the frame, showing heavier marks on the butt of both panels. The items have been sanded down and revarnished, looking to have been done a very long time ago; the stocks have some variances in fit to the grip frame, the right panel has a large wood filler repair. The grips rate in about Fair overall condition.
Type of Finish: Bright Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is surprisingly semi-bright and the rifling is sharply defined. There is frosting and small spots of pin prick erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. Rub wear to bare metal is found on the frame and cylinder, with lighter wear on the barrel. The surfaces have dark patina and pitting from age, the top of the frame has heavy marks, seen sporadically on the other surfaces as well. The underside of the trigger guard has a ding, the butt has deep gouges, consistent with marks on the butt of the grip panels, looking to have been used as a striking tool. The hammer’s striking cone is heavily warped. The screw heads are generally tooled, some have marring in the slots. The markings are legible, faded in some areas. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fair to Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces mild play in full lockup, the hammer return spring is weak, the mainspring of the hammer is strong, the hammer cocks back in 3 positions. The revolver’s cylinder and frame were modified to accept self contained metallic cartridges, something that would not have been done until after the war. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: From a November commission from the Government to create 5,000 Rogers & Spencer revolvers, the first were issued early in 1865, while the Civil War was still far from over, the 13th Amendment had just been written and issued to the states for a vote. The battle of Petersburg would come in the following months, drawing the war to a slow crawl to the end in April. This is an all parts correct 1864 contract revolver with U.S. inspector markings and its original blue finish, remaining at about 50%. The frame and cylinder, both of which are matching parts, have been modified for centerfire ammunition, making it even more rare. The revolvers were bought by Bannerman after the war and only a few had this modification done, when such revolvers were rising in popularity. This revolver certainly looks to have seen some interesting times and perhaps fought some battles of its own; it shows a lot of handling wear and has a lot of character. There’s a good chance it saw service in the American-Indian war that was soon to follow.
