3205

$23,000.00

MARTIALLY MARKED HISTORIC COLT MODEL 1860 ARMY PERCUSSION REVOLVER ATTRIBUTED TO PVT. BENJAMIN BINGHAM CO D CUSTER’S 7TH MICHIGAN CAVALRY.

SN 77345. Cal. 44. Usual configuration with 8″ rnd bbl, nickel silver front sight and 1-line New-York U.S. America address. Left side of frame has a small “COLTS PATENT” and frame is 3-screw type cut for shoulder stock with flat head hammer screw. Cyl is rebated and has usual six chambers with Ormsby Naval Battle Scene roll marking. Patent date is crisp and clear with partially visible “ENGAGED” legend. The unplated brass trigger guard and iron backstrap contain a 1-pc walnut grip with the outline of a partially visible inspector cartouche on each side. Several small parts are also inspected. Wedge is a replacement from a smaller frame revolver and wedge screw is a replacement. This revolver has been identified through official records as having been issued to Pvt. Benjamin Bingham of Co D, Custer’s 7th Michigan Cavalry. He enlisted for three years in September 1862 and was mustered into service November 1862. He remained with the 7th through the end of the war and was present at the surrender of General Lee. He apparently fought with his unit at many major battles, including Gettysburg, the Wilderness and numerous lesser battles. In mid-1863 he reportedly suffered partial deafness in his right ear and had treatment for other diseases. Apparently at one point Pvt. Bingham’s wife wrote to President Lincoln attempting to secure his discharge for health reasons. After the war Pvt. Bingham returned to Michigan where he reportedly suffered continued medical disabilities and died in April 1886. This revolver was produced in late 1862 and obviously saw service through the end of the war. There is no indication that Pvt. Bingham retained his revolver after the war but, given the current condition, it seems likely that this revolver would have remained in service with Custer’s 7th on the American Frontier rather than being stored by someone suffering debilitating illnesses. Another identified Co D, 7th Michigan Cavalry 1860 Army revolver, listed on the same sheet as Pvt. Bingham’s Colt, was sold by Julia in the March 2014 firearms auction. That revolver had belonged to Pvt. Joseph N. Hawkins who died of disease right after Gettysburg. Official records show that his revolver remained with the 7th Cavalry through the end of the war and went west with the 7th where they engaged in numerous battles and fights with Indians. It seems likely that Pvt. Bingham’s revolver would also have remained with the 7th and would have seen heavy fighting against the Indians on the Frontier. PROVENANCE: Accompanied by an extensive archive of materials relating to the 7th MI Cavalry incl copies of microfilm ordnance records stored at the National Archives; Regimental history of the 7th during the Civil War; Also service, discharge and pension records for Bingham. CONDITION: Very good, all matching except wedge, as noted and grip whose backstrap channel is too soiled to determine numbers. Metal overall retains a smooth plummy brown patina with a few light nicks and some fine pitting around the muzzle, on the cyl and hammer nose. Cyl is matching patina and shows 60-70% Ormsby Naval Battle Scene roll marking. Frame also has some fine pinprick pitting and one broken frame pin. Trigger guard is a medium mustard patina and backstrap is a gray/brown metal patina. Grip has a small crack in the top left side with a couple of bruises also on the left side, along with chipped toes and moderately worn edges and overall retains a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Strong dark bore. 4-53545 JR233 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 3205

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Auction: Firearms - Fall 2014

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Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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