Approximately 2,000 manufactured c. 1863-1864. The Ordnance Department originally ordered 5,000, but the contract ultimately was not filled. However, some of these revolvers were purchased for use during the Civil War on the state and private level. These revolvers have an interesting method of securing and removing the cylinder: a small switch on the right side that when pressed forward allows the cylinder and pin to fall out to the right. Equipped with a 20th century modified blade front sight and frame groove rear sight with "FREEMAN'S PAT. DECR 9. 1862" on the right of the sight groove and "HOARD'S ARMORY, WATERTOWN, N.Y." on the left. Matching serial number "305" marked on the bottom of the barrel, loading lever, frame, rear face of the cylinder, right of the grip frame and handwritten on the underside of the left grip panel. Provenance: The Phillip Otto Clark Collection

Very fine, retains 75% plus original bright "royal blue" finish with scattered scratches and marks with smooth brown and gray patinas on the balance, and strong original vivid case colors on the hammer. The grips are very good with smooth oiled finish, some light nicks and handling marks, and a few chipped diamonds with otherwise well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.