This is one of approximately 2,000 brass frame Walch double hammer revolvers manufactured in 1860-1862 for John Walch and partner J.P. Lindsay by the New Haven Arms Company (then controlled by Oliver Winchester) along side the famous Henry rifle. The cylinder is twice as long as a standard revolver so that two loads can fit in one chamber. There is a channel leading from the front load to the right nipple, and the left nipple fires directly into the rear of the chamber. The second bullet should act as a gas seal between the loads and prevent a dangerous double discharge. When the trigger is pulled, the right hammer drops firing the front load. The trigger must be released before it can be pulled a second time to fire the rear load. The top barrel flat has the two line New York address and patent date marking. The matching serial number is marked on the frame under the grip and the underside of each grip panel. It has a brass post front sight and a notch in the left hammer for a rear sight. It is fitted with smooth, varnished grips. Some Walch revolvers were privately purchased and carried by Union soldiers during the Civil War including by the whole of Company I of the 9th Michigan Infantry.