These rare Austin T. Freeman patent revolvers were manufactured by Hoard's Armory in Watertown, New York, in the final years of the Civil War. The design looks like a cross between the Remington and Starr revolvers. These revolvers have an interesting method of securing and removing the cylinder: a small switch on the right side that when press forward allows the cylinder and pin to fall out to the right. Total production is only estimated at 2,000 revolvers. None are known to have been purchased by the Federal Government. However, some may have been purchased and issued by state governments, and others were no doubt purchased privately and carried by soldiers. It is equipped with a small half-moon front sight, frame groove rear sight, "FREEMAN'S PAT.DECR 9. 1862" on the right side of the sight groove and "HOARD'S ARMORY, WATERTOWN, N.Y" on the left side of the groove, and smooth grips. The matching serial number is stamped on the bottom of the barrel, loading lever, frame, rear face of the cylinder, and underside of the grips. The Freeman Army Model Revolver was a robustly designed and finely finished revolver. Surviving examples of this limited production Civil War revolver are scarce in any condition.

Fine. 60% plus of the original, bright blue finish remains. The balance has brown patina, some slight oxidation and faint pitting, and various marks and scratches. The grips are also fine and have some dings, scrapes, and small chips. The action functions fine, and the markings are crisp. Only 2,000 of these Civil War era revolvers are estimated to have been manufactured and few survive in fine condition!