This is an example of a Colt Model 1861 Navy revolver that was manufactured in 1863. The back strap is inscribed: "F. Chamberlain. 10th Reg. N.Y.S. N.G.". Included with the revolver are pension application and service records of Lt. Col. Frank Chamberlain, 177th New York Infantry Regiment. Frank Chamberlain was born in Romulus, New York in 1826 and was mustered into federal service on October 21, 1862 in Albany. His occupation was "grain dealer and shipping merchant". The 177th New York Infantry Regiment was formed from the 10th Regiment New York State National Guard and was mustered on November 21, 1862. The regiment was assigned to the Department of the Gulf and was stationed in New Orleans from December 1862 to March 1863. The 177th New York participated in the siege of Port Hudson, Louisiana from May 24-July 9, 1863. The regiment was mustered out of service in New York on September 24, 1863. The 177th New York Infantry had had 2 officers and 7 enlisted men killed in action or mortally wounded and 3 officers and 149 enlisted men died of disease. Lt Col. Chamberlain resigned from the service because of ill health and was discharged on February 21, 1863. Lt. Col. Frank Chamberlain died in Washington D.C., in August 1910. The revolver has a blued barrel and cylinder, casehardened loading lever, frame and hammer and silver-plated brass trigger guard and back strap. The one-piece walnut grip has a high polished varnish finish. The cylinder is roll-engraved with the Texas Navy battle scene and "COLTS PATENT No". The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "-ADDRESS COL. SAML COLT NEW-YORK U.S. AMERICA-" in one line. "COLTS/PATENT" is roll-stamped on the left side of the frame and "36 CAL" is stamped on the left shoulder of the trigger guard. The full serial number, "11340" is stamped on the bottom of the barrel lug, frame, trigger guard, and back strap. "2" is stamped above or below the serial number in each of these locations. The cylinder is stamped with the partial serial number "1340". All of the visible serial numbers match.

Very good as refinished. The revolver has a smooth, artificial brown patina on the barrel, loading lever, frame, cylinder and hammer. The barrel retains about 20% of the original blue finish in protected areas. About 25% of the original casehardened finish is present on the loading lever, frame and hammer. The cylinder has a bout 60% of the roll-engraved naval scene intact. The percussion nipples have light-moderate flash pitting. The cylinder pins are battered. The brass trigger guard and back strap have an attractive patina; traces of the silver-plated finish are visible in protected areas. The grip is in very fine condition and retains most of the original varnish finish and shows only minor handling wear. The markings and serial numbers and the authentic inscription are crisp. The action is tight and functions well. This is a solid example of an inscribed Civil War Colt Model 1861Navy revolver that is accompanied by the service and pension records of Lt. Col. Frank Chamberlain.