Manufactured in the mid-1860s, right around the time of the Civil War, these Plant's front loading "Army" revolvers were just one of many attempts by a variety of different companies to circumvent Rollin White's bored through cylinder patents which were held by Smith & Wesson. Only around 8,000 of these revolvers were manufactured, spread across three variations. Though no government contracts for purchase of these revolvers has ever been confirmed, many of them were privately purchased by soldiers and officers for use as a sidearm during the Civil War. This is example is marked with the one-line Plant's address on top of the barrel rib and the one-line Merwin & Bray agent's marking on the left barrel flat. The serial number is marked on the butt. The revolver has about 50% coverage, beautifully executed floral scroll engraving with punch dotted backgrounds, most notably on the sides of the frame, but also extending in flourishes to the back strap, top of the frame, and sides of the barrel. The cylinder shows acid etched floral scroll which is very similar in style to the engraving on the other components. It is fitted with a pair of smooth pearl grips.