Offered here is an impressive cased Civil War presentation engraved S&W Model No. 2 "Old Army" revolver inscribed to Union Brigadier General John Converse Starkweather (1829-1890) and fitted with equally impressive carved pearl grips. The presentation inscription appears on the back strap and reads, "Brg. Gen. John C. Starkweather/From H.A. Frey." The masterfully executed New York retailer floral scroll engraving on a punch dot background covers 75% of the surface. Amongst the scrollwork on the side plate is an engraved floral blossom. Engraved cross hatching is feature on the hammer thumb piece. The barrel rib has the one-line address flanked by engraved geometric line patterns which terminate in a cross hatching and floral blossom pattern at the breech. The hammer, cylinder, and ejector appear to originally have been plated in gold over silver while the remaining surfaces are plated in silver only. Matching assembly numbers are found on the grip frame, cylinder and barrel. The revolver is fitted with pearl grips. The left grip panel has an exquisite relief carving of Freedom based on the "Statue of Freedom" from the U.S. Capital Dome.. The presentation case has an ornately inscribed brass inlay on the exterior of the lid, which reads "Brig. Gen. John C. Starkweather/From H.A. Frey." The fitted interior is lined with red wine velvet and contains a cartridge block holding a full count of 76 rounds. At this time H.A. Frey remains unidentified. Cooperstown, New York, native Starkweather graduated from Union College and eventually settled in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he studied law and set up his law practice in 1851. In 1855, he helped organize the Milwaukee Light Guard, serving as its captain until he was commissioned a colonel in the 1st Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry in May 1861 at the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1863, he was commissioned a brigadier general, U.S. Volunteers. Highlights from his Civil War service included participating in the Battle of Hoke's Run (also known as Falling Waters), commanding a brigade during the Battle of Perryville, and engaged in the Battle of Stones River and Battle of Chickamauga. After being wounded at Chickamauga, he was ordered to duty on general court martial in Washington, D.C., which lasted from January to May 1864. While in D.C., he served in the court martial that tried General William A. Hammond. Hammond’s ardent call for progressive medical reforms and his own arrogant disposition strained his relationships with many of his colleagues and bosses including Secretary of War Edwin Stanton who replaced Hammond as U.S. Surgeon General with his friend and personal physician. Hammond protested, calling to be either reinstated or court-martialed. Stanton chose the latter, and Hammond was found guilty of “irregularities” in the purchase of medical furniture. From May 1864 until mustered out of service a year later, Starkweather served as post commander at various points in Tennessee and Alabama. After the war Starkweather returned to Wisconsin, left his law practice behind and raised livestock in Oconomowoc. He returned to practicing law in 1876 when he moved to Washington, D.C. where he remained until his death in 1890.

Fine, retaining 70% original silver plating with the balance a smooth gray patina. Some faded original gold remains on the hammer while traces of faded original gold remain on the cylinder and ejector rod. The engraving and presentation inscription are crisp. The grip is excellent with limited handling evidence, attractive fiery colors and a highly impressive crisp carving. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with faded lining having typical high spot wear, absent lock escutcheon, a repaired corner insert and minor handling/storage marks. This Union general presentation engraved Old Army revolver will make a great addition to any S&W or Civil War collection. Provenance: Dr. Gerald Klaz collection.