Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNewsAbout Us
Create Account
Login
AuctionsConsignmentBlogFAQNews & EventsAbout Us
Login
Create Account

History Lives Here

Rock Island Auction Company
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
RIAC Rock Island
7819 42nd Street West
Rock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
RIAC Bedford
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, Texas 76021, USA
8:00am - 5:00pm, Mon - Fri
Navigation
  • Auctions
  • Consignment
  • Blog
  • FAQ
  • News
  • About Us
More Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Job Postings & Careers
  • Contact
  • Order a Catalog
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
  • Auction Catalog #4091
  • Lot #1201
Lot #1200
Lot #1202

Lot 1201: Identified Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Holster

Historic Civil War Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Holster Descendant Identified as Owned by Captain John H. Fisher, Aide-de-Camp of General Alexander McCook at Chickamauga with Notarized Affidavit

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 18, 2024

Lot 1201: Identified Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Holster

Historic Civil War Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Holster Descendant Identified as Owned by Captain John H. Fisher, Aide-de-Camp of General Alexander McCook at Chickamauga with Notarized Affidavit

Auction Location: Bedford, TX

Auction Date: May 18, 2024

Estimated Price: $7,500 - $11,000
Price Realized:
Login to view
Login to view

Historic Civil War Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver with Holster Descendant Identified as Owned by Captain John H. Fisher, Aide-de-Camp of General Alexander McCook at Chickamauga with Notarized Affidavit

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1851 Navy
Type: Revolver
Gauge: 36
Barrel: 7 1/2 inch octagon
Finish: blue/casehardened/silver
Grip: walnut
Stock:
Item Views: 1671
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 175
Class: Antique
Description:

This revolver was manufactured in 1863 and has the standard commercial production markings and features, including all matching visible serial numbers. The included black leather flap holster has an old note attached reading: "This revolver was used in the Civil War by my uncle John H. Fisher Capt. Volunteer Aide on the staff of Gen. Alexander McD. McCook. He use it at The Battle of Chickamauga and The Siege of Chattanooga. [signed] H.C. Fisher", and the other side has similar notations. Horace C. Fisher's books "Genealogy of the Fisher Family and Its Connections" and "A Staff Officer's Story: Colonel Horace Newton Fisher in the Civil War" are included as is a Feb. 2, 2024 notarized letter stating that this revolver was owned by Captain John H. Fisher, passed down to Horace Cecil Fisher and then on to his nephew Francis R. Austin and then to Austin's son Richard W. Austin. John H. Fisher (1838-1896) and his older brother Horace N. Fisher (1836-1916) where sons of the wealthy commission merchant Francis Fisher (1794-1871) of Fisher & Co. in Boston. John and Horace Fisher were traveling in Europe as part of a larger tour of Europe and the Holy Land when news reached them of the attack on Fort Sumter. Horace had already completed his studies at Harvard and joined the Army of the Ohio on 14 Feb. 1862 as a first lieutenant but shortly thereafter promoted to captain. He initially served on the staff of General William Nelson but was a topographical engineer and volunteer aide-de-camp to General Alexander McDowell McCook. He was a lieutenant colonel and inspector general in the XX Corps in the Department of the Cumberland but was forced to resign on Nov. 10, 1863, due to disability stemming from wounds received at Chickamauga and later served as Chilean consul in Boston. While he was actively engaged in the war, John was studying at Harvard and graduated near the top of his class in 1863 and then joined the Union cause alongside his brother as a volunteer aide-de-camp to General McCook which fits right within the history of this revolver being produced in 1863. He is noted as distinguishing "himself at the battle of Chickamauga." Major General McCook's forces were reorganized multiple times do to heavy casualties at the Battle of Perryville and Battle of Stones River. At Chickamauga, McCook's XX Corps again suffered heavy casualties and were driven from the field. McCook and Major General T.L. Crittenden were blamed for the Union loss, and McCook was court martialed and found not guilty but was ultimately relieved of command and sent back to the defenses of Washington, D.C. John Fisher also resigned shortly after Chickamauga and then went into business in Boston. He never married or had children, so it makes sense that this revolver was passed to his nephew, Horace's son Horace Cecil Fisher (1872-1975). Provenance: Captain John H. Fisher; Horace Cecil Fisher; Francis R. Austin; Richard W. Austin

Rating Definition:

Very fine with 80% plus original blue finish on the barrel, traces of original blue on the cylinder, 85% plus original vivid case colors, 85% plus original silver plating on the trigger guard and back strap with attractively aged patina, and general mild overall wear. The grip is also very fine with 90% plus original varnish, edge wear, and light scratches and dings. Mechanically does not function (no mainspring pressure). The holster is fine with moderate flaking and rub wear, detached strap, some absent and replaced stitching, and general moderate wear. Overall, a very attractive revolver identified to a Union officer who served at Chickamauga.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot

    Related Items

    Lot #55: Civil War Era Colt Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

    Lot #1317: Giacosa Luciano Model 1851 Navy Percussion Revolver

    Lot #1318: Colt Black Powder Series Model 1851 Navy Revolver

    Lot #50: Engraved Colt 1851 Navy Model Percussion Revolver

    Lot #1293: Winchester Model 94 John Wayne Commemorative Carbine

    Lot #319: Factory Engraved A. H. Fox AE Grade Double Barrel Shotgun