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Knowing he rode side by side with Hampton, it’s not unlikely that Conner was the man that Hampton
rode to assist. Regardless, the Legion and other Confederate forces ultimately retreated. As his men fell back, Major Conner lay on the field. Around this same time, Pickett’s Charge was also halted nearby on Cemetery Ridge, and the bodies of many of Pickett’s men on the battlefield were the bloody embodiment of the “high-water mark of the Confederacy.”
Together the halting of these charges and the overall Confederate defeats at Gettysburg and Vicksburg marked the beginning of the end for the Army of Northern Virginia and the rebellion.
In J.E.B. Stuart’s report of the Battle of Gettysburg he writes, “Among the killed was Major Conner, a gallant and efficient officer of the Jeff. Davis Legion.”
The revolver features a German silver blade front sight, “B” on the lower left side of the barrel lug, “PATENTED SEPT. 10th 1850” in one of the cylinder flutes, “COLTS/PATENT” on the left side of the frame, “four screw” frame (actually five screws) cut for a shoulder stock, corresponding notch in the heel, “2725” marked replacement wedge, and all matching remaining serial numbers. The back strap has the historical inscription “Capt. W.G. Conner.” The non- matching shoulder stock is from the same order and is marked with “1545” on the lower
tang and buttplate.
CONDITION: Very good with traces of original finish
and otherwise gray and brown patina typical of
revolvers that saw extensive use during the Civil
War. The brass trigger guard has an attractive aged
patina. There is some moderate scratches and dings throughout. The markings, including the inscription, remain crisp. The grip is very good and has mild
overall wear including from mounting a shoulder stock. The revolver is functional but does not lock up properly
at full-cock. The shoulder stock is fine and exhibits the same moderate wear as the revolver and has the same attractive aged patina on the brass. The wood has some general dings and scratches. This is a very solid early Colt Model 1860 Army with the highly desirable and scarce fluted cylinder made all the more desirable by its historical inscription for Captain William G. Conner of Company A of the Jefferson Davis Cavalry Legion who was killed at the height of the mounted fighting at the East Cavalry Field during third day of fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg. Estimate: 90,000 - 150,000