The case is inscribed "C. G. Attwood" and the back strap of each of the revolvers is inscribed "Lt. C. G. Attwood/From the Men of Co. D, 3rd Batt'n Rfls Mass MC." Both of the two primary styles of J. M. Cooper & Co.'s revolvers are represented, and the case has a French fit interior that contains U.M.C. and Eley cap tins, Colt Cartridge Works package of 5 combustible cartridges, two dual cavity bullet molds, and a small powder flask. The consignor has included a generous research file including many copies of original documents concerning Cornelius G. Attwood (1836-1888). He was born in Bangor, Maine, and enlisted upon the first three month call for troops in April 1861. He served as second lieutenant in the 3rd Rifle Battalion in and then returned home and organized Company C of the 25th Regiment of Massachusetts Infantry in October. He served first as Company C's captain. The unit fought in battles at Roanoke Island, Newbern, Goldsboro, Drewry's Bluff, Cold Harbor, and many others. The regiment was merged into the 18th Corps and earned the name "Heckman’s Star Brigade." They were known as one of the finest units in the Union Army. He was promoted to major on October 29, 1862, and was wounded at Cold Harbor. An included copy of his request for a leave of absence in August 1864 lists that "he is suffering from Gunshot wound of the left elbow and chronic diarrhea." The latter almost certainly indicates he contracted dysentery due to the horrid conditions in Civil War camps. He resigned that month, and the rest of his unit mustered out two months later. He was given the rank of brevete colonel of volunteers and was married in April 1865. After the war, he was engaged in business and held public offices. In 1876, he was appointed inspector general of the state militia by Governor Rice and served in that position for three years during which he re-organized the state's militia system. He was also a prominent member in the Grand Army of the Republic. Attwood and his family evidently kept good care of his Civil War possessions given two of his swords, his epaulettes, and an engraved and silver plated Colt Model 1849 Pocket revolver inscribed to him are all known to survive. Both revolvers were manufactured after Cooper moved from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia in 1864 well after Attwood has been promoted to major. This would lead one to question the authenticity of the inscriptions! The Navy revolver has a low brass post front sight, "COOPER FIRE ARMS MFG. CO. FRANKFORD PHILA. PA./PAT. JAN. 7, 1851 APR 25, 1854 SEP. 4, 1860/SEP 1, 1863 SEP. 22, 1863" on the top of the barrel, matching serial numbers, and a smooth grip.

There is only very minor differences in the Pocket Model from gun A. It has the same barrel marking, sights, and grip and is also marked with matching serial numbers. The main differences are the shorter barrel length, single level cylinder, and slightly different loading slot.