This double cased set consists of two Model 1858 Army revolvers and a brass bound rosewood presentation grade case with a silver presentation plaque inscribed "Presented to/Edward S. Cummings/By the Ladies and Gentlemen/OF THE Palisade Musicale"/Yonkers N.Y. May. 1863." and an English style fitted interior containing the revolvers, a Eley Bros. cap tin, bullet mold, combination wrench and screwdriver, powder flask and bullet. Edward S. Cummings was a pianist, professor, and composer. He appears to have lived in Boston in the 1840s and to have moved to New York City by the 1860s. He remained active until at least the early 1880s. He composed the music that accompanied "The President's Hymn: Give Thanks, All Ye People" in response to Lincoln's proclamation of Thanksgiving in November 1863 and also wrote and/or composed the songs "Gondola Waltz" (1845), "Memento Polka" (1852), "Ravine March" (1853), and "Then Turn Thy Thoughts to Music Soft" (1855). He and other musicians and entertainers participated in the 1864 Sanitary Fair in Yonkers to raise money for the United States Sanitary Commission to help support sick and wounded soldiers. The presenters appear to have been members of one of many musical acts performing during the Civil War era in the New York City area. A copy of the "The American Rifleman" from August 1972 is included. The article "Old Firearms Tell Tales at NRA Show" notes that at the time this was one of only two known cased sets of Starr revolvers. The Starr revolvers were likely chosen as for presentation since they were designed by Yonkers native Ebanezer Starr. They were likely manufactured in 1863. The Starr Arms revolvers were the third most widely used during the war and the only American double action revolvers widely used by the Union. Gun A appears to have been a U.S. contract reject piece and has inspection markings. Gun B has no inspection markings, and its serial number is near the end of the estimated serial number range. Both have the standard Starr Arms patent and address markings on the sides of the frame and have their serial numbers over an intertwined "JG" stamp on the front of the frames. There are matching serial numbers on the other components as well. They have dovetailed blade front sights, hammer groove rear sights, and smooth walnut grips.

Fine. The frame retains 20% of the original blue finish, and the remaining surfaces have gray and brown patina, areas of mild pitting, and scattered minor marks. The revarnished grip is good and has some scuffs and dings. The action is mechanically fine, and the markings throughout are mostly crisp.

See A.

Very good. 40% of the original blue finish and trace of original case colors remain. The faded areas display primarily gray patina, and there are some spots of minor pitting and oxidation as well as various minor scratches and marks. The revarnished grip is also very good with small scrapes and dents. The action is mechanically fine, and the markings are mostly crisp. The case is fine and has moderate storage wear, aged patina on the plaque, pressure marks and staining of the lining, and a missing keyhole escutcheon. The accessories are fine overall.