Kerr revolver in a studio photo

Ralph Heinz

Corporal
Joined
Feb 14, 2016
Location
Pacific Northwest
This photo appeared recently on Ebay and shows a union artillery private with a Kerr revolver stuck in his belt. While I believe the revolver was probably a studio prop as heavy artillery men didn't carry pistols unless they were private purchase and there is no holster on the man's belt, it is a very rare photo showing one of these English revolvers. Based on the background which appears to be a professional photographer's studio, this photo may have been taken in a large city like Washington and the artillery soldier may have served in its defense.

Does anyone have another Civil War photograph showing a Kerr revolver? I've posted it here instead of on the photograph forum specifically because of the interest in firearms.
Arty soldier with Kerr revolver.jpeg
 
It's my understanding some Kerr revolvers were sold commercially (both in Great Britain and in the US) between 1859 and 1861. Perhaps it is one of those. I agree it is most likely a studio prop. Definitely a rare image and perfect for displaying with a Kerr revolver.
 
That older post showed a revolver much too small for a Kerr. The Kerr is basically the same size as a Beaumont-Adams and the same caliber. Barrel lengths are nearly the same. I don't own a Kerr but have three Beaumont-Adams .44 cal. revolvers so I can hold one like the rebel soldier in that photo and see the obvious difference.
 
It is a very rare photo to include a Kerr revolver. I do not recall ever seeing another. Does anyone know of any Kerr revolvers having been imported by the North?
J.
Well not imported by the US, but per Executive Document #99-18681 reveals the US purchased 16 Kerr Revolvers from Schuyler Hartley and Graham of NY at $18.00 each in November 1861. Info from Jan. 1979 Gun Report in article by Henry Gaidis
 
The NRA blogsite today has a nice image of the Jefferson Davis Kerr revolver, the one he carried when he fled Richmond in April, 1865.
 
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This photo appeared recently on Ebay and shows a union artillery private with a Kerr revolver stuck in his belt. While I believe the revolver was probably a studio prop as heavy artillery men didn't carry pistols unless they were private purchase and there is no holster on the man's belt, it is a very rare photo showing one of these English revolvers. Based on the background which appears to be a professional photographer's studio, this photo may have been taken in a large city like Washington and the artillery soldier may have served in its defense.

Does anyone have another Civil War photograph showing a Kerr revolver? I've posted it here instead of on the photograph forum specifically because of the interest in firearms.
View attachment 126970
Hmmm.... I wonder what happened to the original image of the soldier with the Kerr revolver that was on eBay. Did someone buy it? I would be interested in it.
 
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