The trigger guard is inscribed "1861" on the top ahead of the trigger and has "H. C. Haskell/from his brethren of Masters/No. 5 F. & A.M. Albany NY" on the bottom of the bow. The latter refers to the Free & Accepted Masons Lodge No. 5 in Albany. The lodge was first established in 1768. Henry C. Haskell (1821-1899) of Albany is listed as the treasurer of Rose Croix Chapter in 1867 and was a sergeant in Company R. of the 25 New York State Militia for three months. He enrolled on April 19th, 1861, in Albany and mustered in on May 4th in Washington, D.C. and served until August 4th almost entirely at Fort Albany which the regiment constructed near Arlington, Virginia, prior to the First Battle of Bull Run to help defend the capital against a potential Confederate assault. Haskell's activities for the remainder of the war are not clear, but advertisements from the 1870s and 1880s indicate he was one of the partners in the Albany Iron & Machine Works initially with James Orchard beginning in 1867 and later with his own sons. An advertisement in the Albany City Directory in 1882 for "Henry C. Haskell & Sons, Albany Iron & Machine Works, and Foundry" lists them as manufacturers of a wide range of products including steam engines. Earlier advertisements list similar wares. Included with the revolver is a binder of documents including Haskell's cards in the National Archives. Aside from the inscription, the revolver has the standard markings and features, including the matching early serial number "126" on most of the components. It has the correct concealed barrel threads and is fitted with the double wing cylinder pin. An estimated 14,500 of these Beals Navy or Belt revolvers were manufactured in 1861 and 1862. The consignor states this item was previously on display at the Cody Firearms Museum from the Slim Kohler collection.

Good. The revolver has an overall brown patina and some light pitting. Several hammering marks are on the butt, and there are numerous strike type marks on the left side of the recoil shield. The trigger guard has an aged patina and crisp inscription. The grips are also good and have mild handling wear. The action functions fine, and the markings are clear.