Approximately 2,000 manufactured c. 1863-1865. The Ordnance Department originally ordered 5,000, but the contract ultimately was not filled. However, some of these revolvers were purchased for use during the Civil War on the state and private level. 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. Equipped with a modified blade front sight and frame groove rear sight with "FREEMAN'S PAT. DECR 9. 1862" on the right of the sight groove and "HOARD'S ARMORY, WATERTOWN, N.Y" on the left. Matching serial number on the bottom of the barrel, loading lever, frame, rear face of the cylinder, and underside of the grips (right is faint).

Fine with 50% of the original blue finish, smooth brown patina on the balance, some minor oxidation, and mild overall wear. The grips are good and have numerous scratches and dings, some chips at the lower edges, a spliced repair at the heel on the right, and moderate overall wear. Mechanically fine. This is a solid example of a rare Freeman Army revolver and looks like it saw some actual use in the period which adds to its interest.