This is a solid original example of a Rigdon, Ansley & Co., percussion revolver that was manufactured in Augusta, Georgia, circa 1864-65. Patterned after the Colt 1851 Navy revolver, approximately 1000 Rigdon, Ansley & Co., revolvers were manufactured by Charles H. Rigdon after the dissolution of the Leech & Rigdon Co. in 1863. Rigdon moved the plant and formed a new company with Jesse A. Ansley, Andrew J. Smith, and Charles R. Keen under the new name Rigdon, Ansley & Co. Sherman's march to the sea and occupation of Georgia stopped all manufacturing by January of 1865. They were serial numbered from about 1501 to approximately 2500. The Rigdon, Ansley Revolvers were an improvement on the Leech & Rigdon Revolvers and are distinguished from the earlier model by the 12-stop cylinder and absence of cylinder safety pins. It has a three screw iron frame that lacks a capping groove in the recoil shield cut-out. The loading lever has the Colt style latch. The trigger guard and backstrap are brass and the revolver is fitted with a one-piece walnut grip with "259500" stamped into the upper left side. The top of the barrel flat is correctly marked with "C.S.A.". The matching serial number is located on the barrel, frame, trigger guard, loading lever, cylinder, front of the loading lever catch, on the wedge and backstrap. All of the serial numbers have identical numerals. The left trigger guard shoulder id stamped with the letter "W". The serial number of this revolver is referenced in the "Confederate Handguns" book on page 54. A classic and rare Confederate revolver manufactured in Augusta, GA during the American Civil War.

Good. The barrel, loading lever and cylinder show signs of some cleaning and have a gray patina with some pin prick type pitting and a number of dings and dents on the cylinder and barrel lug around the wedge. The frame shows some heat applied colors on the left side directly below the cylinder and some faded colors on the right side with the balance having a smooth brownish gray patina. The brass has an untouched aged mustard yellow patina. There is a minor casting flaw crack on the top of the backstrap directly behind the hammer. This crack was most definitely there when the revolver was made. Two of the frame screws are marred. The grips are very fine with approximately 75% varnish, a minor crack on the upper right side and a few minor dents and dings. The number stamped on left is of unknown origin. The cylinder locks up properly and the action is fine.