This revolver is inscribed "Major James Wilson 3rd Cav. M.S.M. 1864" on the back strap and has a silver plated finish. It otherwise has the standard markings and features of the Model No. 2 including matching numbered rosewood grips. Wilson served as a major in the Missouri State Militia 3rd Cavalry (U.S.) during the Civil War. Missouri was one of just four slave states that remained in the Union and was heavily divided throughout the conflict. Missouri saw numerous back and forth battles between Union and Confederate forces. As a result, the war in Missouri was fraught with atrocities. Wilson was involved a series of battles during which one of his primary adversaries was Timothy Reeves of the 15th Missouri Cavalry Regiment (CS). After Reeves captured 102 of Wilsons men, Wilson was given orders to "follow Reeves to hell" to get them back. Wilson's men fought a skirmish at Pulliam's Farm in Ripley County, Missouri, on December 25, 1863, and rescued his men seven of whom had been selected for execution in retaliation for the execution of seven Confederate prisoners. Wilson was also involved in the burning of Doniphan, Missouri, in September 1864. The residents had previously refused shelter to some of his men. The hotel owner had also reportedly sent his dogs to attack others, and the town was known to be a haven for Confederate insurgents. Wilson and six of his men along with a large number of other Union troops were captured by General Sterling Price during the Battle of Pilot Knob in the October. He and his men were handed over to Reeves whose men executed them. Upon hearing the news, the men of Wilson's regiment personally requested that Union forces retaliate in kind and executed six southern prisoners from Price's unit and a major. Union officers executed six prisoners in retaliation in compliance with Special Order 277 (none of these men were involved in Wilson's death) but did not have a major in their custody. "A Narration of the Capture and Murder of Major James Wilson in 1864" accompanies the included research file which provides in depth details on these events. A brown leather holster that fits the gun is also included.

Good. The revolver retains traces of the aged replated period silver. The balance mostly displays a mix of gray patina and light to moderate pitting. The grips are also good with minor handling wear. The primary markings are legible, but some of the smaller marks are obscured. The action remains fine. The holster is fair with some small pieces absent, cracked/worn leather, and some tears. This is an interesting historical piece inscribed to Major James Wilson. The well worn appearance suggests the revolver was used extensively after Wilson's death perhaps by Reeves himself or one of the men that executed Wilson and his men.