Only an estimated 3,400 of these revolvers were produced in the 1860s by Rogers, Spencer, & Co. in New York. An initial Ordnance Department contract for 5,000 of these revolvers was reduced to 2,000 in June 1862 after failed trials. The improved revolvers were accepted in the fall of 1862 and early 1863. They were issued to cavalry units including the 3rd Michigan who received 500 of them. This example has a cone front sight, frame groove rear sight, standard double action only mechanism, "WW" inspection marks, faint oval cartouche lightly visible on the left grip panel, a "V" and "PATENTED NOV 4 1862" on the bottom of the frame, "PETTENGILLS/PATENT 1856" and "PATD JULY 22 1856/JULY 27 1858" markings on the top strap, and the matching serial number on the cylinder, trigger guard, butt, and grips.

Fair. The revolver primarily displays brown and gray patina and has some mild oxidation with traces of blue visible on the barrel flats. The grips are fair and have moderate handling wear, some small chips at the edges, and a larger sliver absent from the left panel at the top. The action functions but the cylinder is very loose and does not lock up, and most of the markings are clear.