Civil War–era Smith & Wesson–labeled Lucius W. Pond Belt Revolver with unit marking for the 8th New Hampshire Veteran Infantry, serial number 4957, .32 rimfire, 6″ octagon barrel with a fine, bright bore that has a few minor spots of freckling within the grooves. This revolver has matching numbers on the frame, cylinder, barrel, and cylinder arbor, with the metal having an overall plum-brown patina with some minor handling marks and faint surface scratches scattered about. Additionally, there is mild silvering present along the high edges and projections, and the court mandated “Manuf'd for Smith & Wesson Pat'd April 5, 1855” stamp on one of the barrel flats. The walnut grips are faintly numbered to the gun on the interior and are in fine condition with scattered minor handling marks and surface blemishes, as well as “Co D 8TH NHV” stamped in small capitals on leading edge of the left panel. The lock-up of the revolver is still firm, the action functions flawlessly, and the original screwdriver is still in place at the butt. Pond revolvers were manufactured with blatant disregard of the Rollin White patent owned by Smith & Wesson that covered the bored-through cylinder. After losing the ensuing lawsuit, production ceased and any Pond revolvers still in the warehouse (just under 4,500 in total) were stamped with the S&W patent dates, as with this example.
The 8th NH Volunteer Infantry (three year enlistment) began recruiting in September of 1861, mustering in at Camp Currier in Manchester the following month. The regiment sailed to the Gulf of Mexico as part of Gen. Benjamin Butler's command and occupied Forts Pike, Wood, and Macomb near New Orleans. The regiment saw extensive service in Louisiana including the Siege of Port Hudson, Alexandria, and Sabine Pass. The regiment transitioned to mounted service in late 1863, becoming the 1st NH Cavalry, and subsequently renamed the 2nd NH Cavalry in March of 1864 until their enlistments expired and the original regiment ceased to exist. Those enlisted men and officers still in service following the discharge of the bulk of the regiment were reformed as the 8th NH Veteran Battalion in January of 1865 and were stationed in Natchez until ordered north for honorable discharge in late October. This revolver is a great piece of history, with regards to both a major piece of 19th century corporate litigation, and a long serving Federal unit that fought in the Civil War.
As an antique gun this will transfer without any restrictions.
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