Rollin White Revolver

[Greendoor]

Anyone on the forum know if this is a real civil war revolver. Any feedback would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[UCVRelics]

Could you post a photo of the top of the barrel and the serial # on the butt end of the grip?

 

[Greendoor]

Could you post a photo of the top of the barrel and the serial # on the butt end of the grip?

Seller said serial#5976
3 1/8th inch octangon barrell/made for smith and wesson by Co. Lowell, Mass. He said Rollin White Arms Co portion of mark has been obscured.

 

[johan_steele]

I believe the company was only making revolvers from 61-64. So it's a legitimate period piece.

There was a Lowell Arms Co as well... but I know nothing about them. I can identify a pistol but much past that give me a rifle.

 

[JOHN42768]

S & W pursued copy rite infringement on many manufactures driving them out of business. The made for S & W was stamped on the firearms the companies still had remaining in their stock with a good portion of the selling price going to S & W

 

[Greendoor]

S & W pursued copy rite infringement on many manufactures driving them out of business. The made for S & W was stamped on the firearms the companies still had remaining in their stock with a good portion of the selling price going to S & W

Any ideas when it was made based on the serial#5976

 

[bobinwmass]

The guns marked with the Rollin White name in the address were made between 1861 and 1864. Flayderman says approximately 5000 were made by White, so I'd guess this one would be 1863 to 1864. In 1864 the company name changed to Lowell Arms Company (Rollin White no longer involved) and reportedly around another 5000 made through 1865.

 

[Greendoor]

The guns marked with the Rollin White name in the address were made between 1861 and 1864. Flayderman says approximately 5000 were made by White, so I'd guess this one would be 1863 to 1864. In 1864 the company name changed to Lowell Arms Company (Rollin White no longer involved) and reportedly around another 5000 made through 1865.

Were these documented to be used by Union Soldiers during the Civil War? Thanks.

 

[bobinwmass]

Were these documented to be used by Union Soldiers during the Civil War? Thanks.

Not really considered a military gun due to the very small caliber. There were no government purchases for military use. It's possible someone may buy one for use as a last ditch self defense weapon kept in their pocket as a private purchase. I believe that I have seen examples of the similar Smith and Wesson Number 1 that have had a soldiers name engraved on the backstrap. More commonly you see photos of the larger .32 caliber Smith and Wesson Number 2 "Army" Revolver which would have been privately purchased by an officer.