This is a very fine example of a U.S. contract percussion revolver that was manufactured by Rogers, Spencer & Co., of Willow Dale, New York in 1865. The Rogers & Spencer Co., was awarded a contract by the Ordnance Department for 5,000 .44 caliber revolvers in November, 1864. When the Civil War ended in April, 1865, 1,500 revolvers had been delivered; the remaining 3,500 were delivered by September 1865. The revolvers were apparently never issued and were subsequently sold by military surplus dealer Francis Bannerman. This well designed revolver has a full octagon barrel with nickel-silver cone front sight. The solid frame has a sighting groove on the top strap. The revolver has a six-shot cylinder with safety notches between the chambers. The two-piece walnut grips have a flared butt. The revolver barrel, frame, cylinder, trigger guard and back strap have a high polish blue finish and the loading lever, hammer and trigger have a dark color casehardened finish. The top strap is roll-stamped: "RODGERS & SPENCER/UTICA, N.Y." on either side of the sight groove. The serial number, "1934" is stamped on the underside of the barrel, loading lever, cylinder, and bottom of the back strap. All of the visible serial numbers match. Small Ordnance "B" sub-inspection marks are stamped on each component. The lower left grip is stamped with an Ordnance inspection mark which consists of the script initials "RBP" enclosed in a rectangle.