This "Army-Navy" revolver was manufactured in 1856 and falls within the known U.S. Army contract 42000-80000 serial number range. It has the early "NEW-YORK CITY" barrel address, standard roll-scene and patent markings, all matching serial numbers including the grip, small "A" inspection marks, an "RHKW" (Captain Robert Henry Kirkland Whitely) cartouche on the right side of the grip, and an "LCA" (Lucian C. Allin) cartouche on the left side of the grip. Whitely was the chief inspector from 1838-1875. These pre-Civil War "Army-Navy" revolvers could have seen use in various conflicts with Native Americans before and during the Civil War. "Army-Navy" revolvers are known to have been issued to the 1st and 2nd Cavalry Regiments and the Mounted Rifles in 1856 and likely remained in use with those units through the Civil War. Given the heavy military use many of these revolvers, examples in solid condition like this are rare and particularly desirable.

Fine with 30% original blue on the barrel, 40% original case colors on the frame (strongest on the left side), light original case colors on the loading lever, aged patina on the brass, and gray and brown patina mixed with some light oxidation and pitting on the balance. The grip is also fine with mild handling wear, some small dings primarily on the butt, and legible cartouches. Mechanically excellent.