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NOTICE THE SILVER PLATED FINISH IN PROTECTED AREAS, WHICH IS A FEATURE NOT SEEN ON STANDARD PRODUCTION SPILLER & BURR REVOLVERS. THIS FEATURE, IN COMBINATION WITH THE EXTRA ATTENTION PAID TO THE FIT AND FINISH OF THIS REVOLVER IS A POSSIBLE INDICATION THIS REVOLVER MAY HAVE BEEN MADE FOR PRESENTATION.
Bill Gary’s book, “Confederate Revolvers,” differs in that it states that the Atlanta partnership manufactured 840 revolvers before the Confederate government takeover and further states that Macon Armory manufactured only approximately 400 revolvers before closing upon the approach
of General Sherman’s forces. Production started with a very optimistic government contract of
about 15,000 revolvers in 1862, but was stopped in November 1864 due to Sherman’s March to the Sea. The revolvers are patterned after the Whitney Navy Model, with a distinctive solid brass frame. Confederate Spiller & Burr revolvers rarely become available on the collector’s market, and this is
the second example we have had the privilege to sell of only four known round frames in total; an immensely rare and desirable Confederate revolver in a high state of condition!
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% attractive period high polish blue finish on the barrel, loading lever and cylinder with some light freckling and smooth brown patina on the balance. Strong traces of silver finish are visible in protected areas including a few of the edges on the frame and trigger guard and strongest on the grip frame hidden beneath the grip panels, with attractive golden aged patina on the exposed brass. The grips are very good with a chipped/absent section
on the bottom rear edge of the left panel, chips along the edges, numerous scattered scratches and dents, and otherwise defined edges. Mechanically excellent. This is only the second example Rock Island Auction Company has ever offered of a rare, one of four known, round frame Spiller & Burr revolver. Make no mistake, this is likely a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire this extreme rarity! Estimate: 40,000 - 60,000
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