A limited number of these revolvers were purchased by the U.S. Government during the Civil War for $26.33 each. Their manufacturing and design history are relatively unknown. Additional revolvers may have been also privately purchased, perhaps by Confederate agents. Raphael (also seen spelled Rafael), based in New York City, also supplied other French and European revolvers and swords to the Federal Government and was involved with James Richard Haskell in presenting one of the earliest machine guns to the government in 1862. Initial tests by the U.S. Ordnance Department were favorable, but General James Wolfe Ripley, known for his resistance to repeating firearms, failed to order any despite President Abraham Lincoln's favorable views. Aside from the serial numbers on the left side of the frames at the breech, most are unmarked. This example has "C S A" above the serial number, blade and notch sights, "X" and "L" on the right side rear of the frame, "*" marks on the grip panels, and a brass lanyard ring on the butt.

Good. 40% plus of the faded original blue finish remains and the balance has mostly a gray and brown patina along with some light oxidation. The undersized refinished grips are good and have several dents. The action needs some work: it functions in single action, but pulling the hammer does not fully cock or release hammer. The markings are clear.