Only approximately 1,000 Confederate government contract Rigdon, Ansley & Co. revolvers (also often referred to as Rigdon & Ansley revolvers) were manufactured in Augusta, Georgia, from 1864 to 1865 after the dissolution of Leech & Rigdon in 1863. The company was run by Charles H. Rigdon, Jesse A. Ansley, Andrew Smith and Charles Keen. After producing Leech & Rigdon revolvers, the company transitioned to this improved model which has twelve cylinder stops instead of six stops, similar to those used by Manhattan. Like the Leech & Rigdon revolvers, these are among the most well-made and desirable of all Confederate handguns. The production quality is certainly not up to par with the revolvers produced by major companies in the North, but they are certainly quality and serviceable firearms. Like most Confederate revolvers, the basic design of the revolver is the same as Colt's Model 1851 Navy. The barrel is part octagon, part round like Colt's Dragoon revolvers. It has a brass post front sight, "C.S.A." on the top of the barrel, groove on the hammer for a rear sight, horizontal wedge latch on the loading lever, "W" on the left side of the trigger guard, and the matching serial number "2352" on the loading lever, wedge, cylinder, barrel, frame, trigger guard, and back strap.

Very good plus. The iron components have dark patina and moderate pitting. The frame is rough on the left side and has some dried oil. One of the nipples is damaged. The trigger guard and back strap display deep aged patina, and the front trigger guard screw is not securing the trigger guard. The revarnished grip is also very good and has moderate lower edge wear including some chipping at the toe, and mild scratches and marks. Mechanically fine. This rare Confederate revolver would be an excellent addition to any Civil War or antique revolving arms collection.