Pettengill Army Model D.A. revolver manufactured by Rodgers & Spencer & Co., of Willow Dale, New York, as part of a 2,000 gun contract for the Ordnance Department. The unique Pettengill double-action revolver fouled badly after several discharges and proved nearly impossible to fire. Pettengill Army revolvers were issued in quantity to the 3rd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry and in small numbers to several other Midwestern cavalry regiments. This revolver has a high polish blue finish on the frame, octagon barrel and six-shot cylinder. The loading lever is color casehardened. The two-piece walnut grip is oil finished. The revolver has the early style markings: "PETTENGILL'S/PATENT 1856" and "RAYMOND & ROBITALLE/PATENTED 1858" roll stamped in two lines on the top of the frame on either side of sight groove. The serial number "3933" is stamped on the side of the cylinder, inside of the trigger guard and butt. The Ordnance inspection mark "W" and a "P" proof mark are stamped on the left side of the barrel at the junction with the frame. A "W" sub-inspection marks is stamped on the left side of the loading lever and "WW" is stamped on the left side of the frame. An illegible, rectangular, Ordnance final inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the grip.

Extremely fine. The revolver is all original and retains 60% plus of the original blue finish. The revolver appears to be in unfired condition. There is no flash pitting on the percussion nipples or rear face of the cylinder. The blue on the barrel and frame has flaked and the finish loss is due primarily to poor surface preparation during manufacturing and subsequent storage wear rather than actual handling. The cylinder retains nearly all of the original blue finish and the walnut grip is in very fine condition with minimal handling wear. The action functions fine. It is very unusual to see a U.S. contract Pettengill Army revolver in this condition. This is an outstanding example of a hard-to find, limited production, Civil War revolver in far better than usual condition.