This is one of the estimated 3,400 Pettengill Army Model Revolvers manufactured in the early 1860s. Of the 3,400 manufactured, an estimated 2,000 of these revolvers such as this one were purchased by the U.S. Ordnance Department. The U.S. revolvers were delivered between October 1862 and January 1863. It is known that the 3rd Michigan Cavalry was issued 500 revolvers with other mounted outfits such as the 3rd and 5th Missouri and 3rd Illinois receiving lesser amounts. The top strap is marked "PETTNGILLS/PATENT 1856" and "PATd JULY 22 1856/& JULY 27 1858" around the sighting groove and this marking is found on late production examples. The underside of the frame is marked "PATENTED/NOV 4 1862". A "WW" inspector marking is stamped on the barrel, frame, and cylinder with a single "W" on the loading lever. Matching numbers on the butt, grips, and cylinder. The left grip panel has a boxed script letter cartouche.

Extremely fine. The revolver retains 60% plus original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina showing a few scattered patches of minor pitting. The grips are very fine with a couple dings on bottom edge and some scattered minor handling marks. The cartouche is crisp. Action functions but is a little loose. One will look a long time to find another Martially Inspected Pettengill Revolver as fine as this example!