Manufactured c. 1885, this is a very historic and attractive, factory engraved and presentation inscribed pair of Medium Frame revolvers from Merwin, Hulbert & Co. This pair of revolvers represent two of three which were presented in 1885 by the mayor of New Orleans to three Philadelphia police officers who were tasked with guarding the Liberty Bell during a visit to the city for the World's Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition. Only 20 years after the Civil War, the organizers of the New Orleans Exposition requested the Liberty Bell be sent from Philadelphia as a symbol of national unity, recalling the mutual efforts of the North and South in gaining independence from Britain. On 18 December 1884, Philadelphia approved sending the bell and on 23 January 1885 it began the long journey south to appear at the Exposition which was already underway. It is believed that that was the first time the Liberty Bell had left Philadelphia since it had been removed for safety during the American Revolution. The bell was set to make many stops on the way to and from the exposition, and due to its national significance, its safety needed to be ensured. When it had been agreed to send the bell, three Philadelphia police officers were chosen from the ranks of the "Reserve" unit, an elite group that were chosen both for their excellence and their size. Their task would be to guard the bell throughout its journey and at the exposition. The three officers that were chosen were incredibly tall for the time, they were sergeant E.W. Malin at 6 feet 6 inches, patrolman T.H. Newman at 6 feet 5 inches, and patrolman John Patton at 6 feet 4 inches. Each of these revolvers bears an inscription to one of these men, one to sergeant Malin and the other to patrolman Patton. Each of the revolvers bears a nearly identical inscription, apart from the names of who they are for, one being "SERGt. E.W. MALIN" and the other to "JOHN PATTON". Both names are followed by "FROM MAYOR OF NEW ORLEANS 1885". The revolvers appear mostly identical, having near full coverage factory floral engraving which has been lightly accented is spots with colorful enamel, and a small bird engraved on the left side of the both frames. The cylinder on the revolver for sergeant Malin is gold plated and it is fitted with pearl grips, perhaps an indication of his rank over the other two patrolmen. The level of deluxe ornamentation on these revolvers certainly shows the gratitude of the mayor of New Orleans to the city of Philadelphia, as well as the admiration for the three policemen sent to guard the bell. The top of the barrel ribs are marked with the standard two-line address and patent dates, while the left of the frames are marked with the caliber. The matching serial numbers on both are on the left of the grip frames, rear face of the cylinders, and rear face of the barrel lugs, while the "B" gun also has the matching number in pencil inside the right grip panel. They are both fitted with pinned blade front sights, frame-top groove rear sights, and bird's head grips with lanyard holes. The "A" gun is fitted with smooth ivory grips, while the "B" gun is fitted with smooth pearl grips. Included with the two revolvers is extensive research from the consignor detailing the circumstances of the Liberty Bell traveling to New Orleans for the exposition, information about the officers, and photos of the three officers along with the bell.

See "A". Matching serial number on the left of the grip frame, rear face of the cylinder, rear face of the barrel lug, and hand written in pencil inside the right grip panel. Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection