Manufactured circa 1858-1861, this is one of less than one hundred first model revolvers with the friction catch. It has a desirable eight inch full octagon barrel with a nickel silver front and frame groove rear sights, cylinder roll engraved with a woodland game scene, and two-piece walnut grips with glossy varnish. The underside of the frame is roll stamped "PATENTED JAN. 13, 1857" preceded by the serial number "39" which is also marked on the trigger guard, barrel, rear cylinder face, cylinder pin, and the left side of the front strap. The revolver is in a hardwood case with red velvet interior divided into five sections. The case contains a partially full cap tin with green U.M.C. label, lead balls and conical bullets, a varnished brass powder flask with the American Eagle motif, tool, and key. The top of the case has an inscription plaque marked "Presented/TO/F.O. Bigelow/by the members of the Social Reading Club/Medford Dec. 6th 1860". Francis Oliver Bigelow (Feb. 6 1823-Feb. 25, 1862) of Medford was the son of Colonel Abraham Bigelow, leader of a local regiment of mounted militia and commander of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts from 1827-1828. Among his relatives is Revolutionary War colonel, and later head of Springfield Armory, Timothy Bigelow who fought in many important battles including: Lexington and Concord, Valley Forge, West Point, and Yorktown. Other members of the family served in important positions including as Mayor of Boston and Massachusetts Secretary of State.

Fine. The revolver retains 70% of the original blue finish on the barrel with some edge wear and patches of brown patina. The remaining components mostly display a gray patina but there are some small patches of finish and some fiery case colors. The grips are very good with smooth glossy varnish, a few faint scratches, and some slight edge wear. Mechanically fine with clear markings and engraving. The exterior of the case is very fine with some minor dings and scratches on the wood and some dark patina on the plaque. The interior is faded and stained but in fine condition. The accessories are all in very fine condition. This is a desirable cased set centered on a very rare revolver.