Approximately 2,000 of these scarce Austin T. Freeman patent revolvers were manufactured by Hoard's Armory in Watertown, New York c. 1863-1864. The design looks like a cross between the Remington and Starr revolvers. The Freeman Army Model was a robustly designed and finely finished revolver. These revolvers have an interesting method of securing and removing the cylinder: a small switch on the right side that when pressed forward allows the cylinder and pin to fall out to the right. None are known to have been purchased by the Federal Government. However, some may have been purchased and issued by state governments, and others were likely purchased privately. It is equipped with a small rounded blade front sight, frame groove rear sight, and smooth walnut grips. "FREEMAN'S PAT DECR 9. 1862" marked on top of the right side of the frame sight groove and "HOARD'S ARMORY, WATERTOWN, N.Y." on top of the left side of the groove. The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the barrel, loading lever, frame, cylinder pin, rear face of the cylinder, right side of the grip frame, and handwritten on the underside of the grips. Surviving examples of this limited production Civil War revolver are scarce in any condition.

Fine, retains 40% plus original blue finish with a mix of brown and gray patina on the balance with some patches of light surface oxidation. Grips are also fine with some light handling marks and a few light scratches. Mechanically excellent.