The Butterfield Revolvers were manufactured by Jesse Butterfield of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1862. They are considered by collectors to be secondary U.S. martial handgun since they were manufactured in anticipation of an unrealized government contract. Because no contract was awarded, production was limited to only about 640 revolvers. It is equipped with a special disc priming device loaded by loosening a thumb-screw in front of the trigger guard. The top strap is marked "BUTTERFIELD'S/PATENT DEC 11. 1855/PHILADA". Various components have the matching serial number "163", including the bottoms of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match.

Good, retains 40% of the original silver plating with the balance of the brass showing an attractive antique patina, the cylinder showing a plum brown patina with some dark oxidation, and the balance mostly a grey patina with extensive light pitting overall. The grips are also good with repair/filler visible at the toes and otherwise minor handling marks and flaking of the varnish. Mechanically fine.