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. This particular revolver shows exhibition quality level of engraving executed by Samuel J. Hoggson. Hoggson is probably best known for his masterful engraving for the New Haven Arms Company on their iconic Henry rifles, and this revolver certainly shows many of his typical patterns. One of these distinctive patterns is found on the forward sides of the frame, where this revolver is engraved with a large flower bloom of exactly the same pattern seen on the forward panels of the frame on many engraved Henrys. The oval panel scene on the left of the frame features a church or castle and the surrounding landscape. An almost identical scene is engraved on an extremely early, serial number 1, Dodge/Briggs patent Winchester lever action rifle, which was the predecessor of the Winchester Model 1866. The rifle was presented to W.C. Dodge himself, and can be seen on p. 55 of "The Winchester Book" by Madis, on p. 30 of "The Book of Winchester Engraving" by Wilson, and p. 39 of "Winchester Engraving" by Wilson. The presentation date of that rifle was 1865, indicating that this revolver was probably engraved around the same time. It is very clear that the engraving on this revolver, as well as on the previously mentioned rifle, was executed by Hoggson, with this revolver being a "missing link" of sorts, between the flower bloom on the forward frame panels of Henrys and the panel scene on one of the earliest Winchester lever actions. The remainder of the engraving features about 50% coverage, beautifully executed grape vine and leafy scroll which surrounds the small oval landscape scene on the left of the frame, continues down the back strap, and includes flourishes of more traditional scroll on the sides of the barrel. This 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. It is fitted with a pair of smooth antique ivory grips.

Very fine, retains 75% plus of the original silver plating with some scattered specks of light flaking, some light edge/high spot wear, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are fine with an attractively aged tone and a few hairline age cracks and handling marks. Mechanically fine. A very fine example of Samuel J. Hoggson's masterful engraving, which provides a link between his patterns engraved on Henry rifles and those found on some of the earliest production Winchester lever actions!