Manufactured by Jesse Butterfield of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1862, the Butterfield Revolvers were manufactured in anticipation of an order for 2,280 on a government contract. The contract was never awarded and production was limited to only about 640 revolvers but is considered by collectors as a secondary U.S. martial handgun. The revolver has a brass frame with blue five-shot cylinder, octagonal barrel, casehardened attached loading lever, and two-piece flared walnut grips. The revolver is equipped with a special disc priming device loaded by loosening a thumb-screw in front of the trigger guard. The brass top strap is marked "BUTTERFIELD'S/PATENT DEC.11 1855/PHILADA". Matching numbers are found on the butt, barrel, and loading lever.

Good. The pistol has a mottled gray patina. The brass has a smooth aged patina. Limited minor pitting is present. The period replacement grips are good with a number of minor handling marks. The grip screw is a replacement. Mechanically fine.