Sold For $8,470
*Includes Buyers Premium
Colt Army Model 1860 .44-caliber single-action revolver, serial no. 6615, manufactured in 1861, identified to Confederate Captain Chesley W. Herbert, 3rd South Carolina Infantry Regiment, and so engraved on the backstrap: "Capt'n C. W. Herbert, 3rd S.C. Vol. Inft'y." Stamped on the barrel, "—Address Col. Sam'l Colt New-York U.S. America—," and on the frame, "Colt's Patent." Housed in its dark brown leather holster. Exhibits some minor pitting to metal and a fine overall patina. Accompanied by a letter from Brian K. Akins of Rebel Relics, stating: "This revolver was carried by C. W. Herbert, S.C. Vol. Infantry." Also includes detailed photocopies of Herbert's service records. This is an antique firearm and transfers with no federal restriction.
Chesley W. Herbert served with distinction under James A. Longstreet, and was promoted to captain on July 1, 1862. From a biographical blurb published in Annals of Newberry by John A. Chapman: 'When South Carolina seceded he volunteered at the first call for troops, and left home for service in Company C, Third Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, on April 13th, 1861, the day Fort Sumter surrendered. His regiment was shortly afterwards ordered to Virginia. He was badly wounded at the battle near Gettysburg, July 2nd, 1863. On the retreat to Winchester he was captured by United States cavalry, but was recaptured in a short time and furloughed until again fit for duty. Was again wounded, and this time seriously, by a shot through the left knee at the battle of the Wilderness, May 6th, 1864. He was brought from Virginia to South Carolina on a litter, and after months of suffering returned to the army, and was discharged just previous to the close of the war, because of lameness, which unfitted him for further military service.'
His tragic death is related by Mac Wykoff: 'On March 8, 1866, a black man stole his horse. Herbert apparently jumped on another horse and chased the thief for some distance. After catching him, they started back. While stopping to rest and share some bread, the robber picked up a heavy stick and hit Herbert on the head. Crippled by his Civil War injuries, Herbert was unable to effectively fight back. The man then drew Herbert's pistol and shot him in the head. His body was buried in the New Chapel Methodist Church Cemetery in Newberry. The black man was captured, recaptured after escaping from jail, tried and hanged.'
The Collection of Dr. Joseph Matheu.
