Only about 300 of these pocket revolvers and 500 of the larger Navy Model revolvers were manufactured by Charles R. Alsop of Middletown, Connecticut in 1862 and 1863. Both designs closely resemble the Savage revolvers also produced in Middletown in the late 1850s and early 1860s. Multiple members of the Alsop family held positions in the Savage Revolving Firearms Company, and Charles was one of the principle gunsmiths with the firm. Thus, Alsop revolver are clearly refined versions of the somewhat awkwardly shaped Savage system. The top barrel flat of this example is marked "C. R. ALSOP MIDDLETOWN CONN. / PATENTED JULY 17th. AUGUST 7th. 1860 MAY 14th. 1862", and "C.R. ALSOP. PATENTED / NOV. 26th 1861" is on the cylinder. The front sight is a brass cone, and the rear sight is a groove in the top of the frame. When the hammer is cocked you can align the sights by looking under the small gap under the hammer nose. It is fitted with smooth walnut grips. The loading lever and hammer were casehardened and the remainder of the revolver was blued. Given that they were produced during the Civil War most Alsop revolvers were likely privately purchased by Union soldiers.

Good. The revolver has an overall gray-brown patina with some light spotting and spots of faint pitting. The grips are fine with some minor chips and cracks on the lower edges and otherwise only light scratches typical of use. The action is excellent, and the markings are legible. Few of these scarce revolver survive and those that do rarely come available.