shepherddogs
New member
My Great Grandfather passed down a revolver that we believe was his during the Civil War. It has been kept with a cigar box full of letters written to his parents about the events he witnessed during the war while a soldier for the Confederacy. Most letters are from the Northern Virginia area and Richmond where he described visiting the Libby Prison. There is also an antique silver flask I believe he used as a canteen. Also a very old picture depicting a battle scene and the Confederate flag. Anyway the question is this. The revolver was made by Colt Hartford, Connecticut. Colts Patent. Serial # is 178991. There appears to be a scene with some sort of paddlewheel boat etched onto the cylinder. The barrel measures 5 7/8 inches. Gun is very rusty from poor care over the years and I cannot disassemble it. Also the frame appears to be silver plated brass. I don't have a digital camera or I would post a pic. Caliber is around .31. It looks like pictures I have seen on the web of 1851 Colt Navy's. The barrel length doesn't match up though. Also wouldn't this be a pretty light pistol to carry as a horse soldier? What can you tell me about Great Grandads pistol?