This pair of post-war revolvers was manufactured in 1866 and have the standard markings and features of the fourth variation of the Model 1851 Navy. They are just two serial numbers apart and have matching visible serial numbers. Both revolvers are spuriously inscribed "To Lieut. R. B. Jeffords[sic]/Mich. 3rd Re. Inf. June.19.1861." on the back strap and "From the men/ of Co. G" on the butt. The revolvers come in a hardwood case with a Eley Bros. cap tin, package of "Six Seamless Skin/CARTRIDGES/ FOR COL, WHITNEY, OR REMINGTON'S/NAVY PISTOL", a Colt's patent dual cavity bullet mold, powder flask, oiler, combination tool, key and several lead bullets. Robert B. Jefferds lived in Lansing, Michigan before enlisting in Company G of the 3rd Michigan Infantry as its first lieutenant in May 1861. In June 1861, the men of the 3rd Infantry would have just arrived in Washington, D.C. where they served in defensive roles until July. Jefferds suffered from stomach issues during the early weeks in the East and was in and out of the hospital throughout his service from tuberculosis and, likely, dysentery both of which were rampant in Civil War camps. During an engagement near Bull Run on July 18, Jefferds and many of the men were absent. He was commissioned as captain on August 1 after Captain John Price resigned due to illness. By September, he was on furlough to see his wife who was gravely ill back in Lansing. Due to his regular absence from command while his men were engaged in battle, he was openly insulted by his men. The company's orderly sergeant even called for Jefferds' resignation in the Lansing State Republican newspaper stating ". . . If an officer is habitually sick, and can never be with his company only when they are in snug quarters, it certainly would be an act of patriotism, and, indeed, evidence of courage (if often requires more courage to resign than to go into battle) for him to resign, and permit his place to be occupied, and his salary drawn, by some person who has constitution enough to stand a campaign in the field." In another instance he wrote to the Republican that "Captain Jefferds, Lieutenant Whitney, and H. L. Thayer arrived in camp recently. The latter two . . . Were most warmly welcomed." Sgt. Siverd's veiled suggestions that the Jefferds was only interested in the pay and was feigning illness were less direct than Charles Church of Co. G who used a few choice words in calling Jefferds a greedy coward and also stated that he "has shown the white feather and is in Alexandria playing up sick." In a letter home to his family, Jefferds' comments do suggest that he stayed with the unit despite his chronic illness and depression, in part due to his wages, which were higher than he would have received back home. Despite the indignation of his men, his illnesses were likely legitimate given the rampant diseases in Civil War camps and the grave given the reports of the doctor who examined him and the pension he received for consumption (tuberculosis). Dr. Bliss also noted that Jefferds "was personally interested in the health and welfare" of his men. He resigned on June 9, 1862, and returned to Michigan where he worked as a doctor until his death on October 23, 1886. 53 other men of the 3rd were also discharged for disability.

Fine with spurious inscription. The revolver retains 60% plus of the original blue finish on the barrel and about half of the replated silver plating on the grip frame. The balance has brown and gray patina along with some light spotting and patches of mild pitting. The grip is very good with moderate lower edge wear, some chips and overall minor scratches. It is mechanically fine and has mostly clear markings. The wedge screw is partially broken. The relined case is very good with moderate storage wear including cracks in the lid. The accessories are very good.

As discussed in A.

Very good with spurious inscription. The barrel retains 20% of the original blue finish. The frame and lever have faint case colors. 50% of the replated silver plating remains on the grip frame, and the balance has mostly a gray patina with some light pitting and spotting. The grip is fine with some small chips, moderate lower edge wear, and various small scratches. It is mechanically fine and has crisp markings aside from the faint cylinder roll scene.