RARE AUTHENTIC IDENTIFIED CONFEDERATE KERR REVOLVER.

RARE AUTHENTIC IDENTIFIED CONFEDERATE KERR REVOLVER. Cal. 44. SN E576. Usual configuration with 5-3/4″ ovoid shaped hexagonal bbl with brass pin front sight. It has checkered 1-pc walnut grip with the usual markings in the usual places with “Kerr’s Patent 4605” engraved on the right side of the frame and the number “4605” on the cylinder. Serial number is stamped inside the bottom of the frame & inside the trigger guard. It also has the initials “JS” surmounting an anchor stamped in the wood just below the lower tang (recognized as a Confederate inspection mark). It is accompanied by a converted silverware chest which contains a leather flap holster identified by renowned Confederate expert, John Sexton, as being precisely identical to those known & identified holsters that were manufactured at the Atlanta arsenal. This specimen is unmarked but Mr. Sexton believes it could have been made there, but regardless, is definitely Confederate. Lid contains two Civil War envelopes addressed to “Francis R. Fraser” and dated in 1864. It appears that Fraser was in the 56th Virginia Regiment, Hunton’s Brigade, Pickett’s Division in Richmond, Virginia. Another item is a signed statement by Jerman M. Hunter, 610 Ravenscroft Drive, Petersburg, Virginia, wherein he states that “The Kerr pistol with serial number 4605 in its holster was carried by my grandfather, Private Francis R. Frazer of Brunswick County, Virginia. He was in Company E of the 56th Regiment of Virginia Infantry. Francis R. Frazer married Jennie G. Haskins. This gun was obtained from their daughter, Pattie Wheeler Frazer who married my father, Palmer J. Hunter. She was from Rawlings Sidling near Concord Church in Brunswick County. I, Jerman M. Hunter of 610 Ravenscroft Drive, Petersburg, Virginia certify the above is true.” Signed & Dated 3 April 85. Apparently Mr. Hunter or the person who wrote the letters were confused regarding the spelling of the last name and Mr. Hunter had also confused the patent number with the serial number, which is a common mistake when dealing with Kerr revolvers.

Another card in the case details Frazer’s service with the Confederacy as having enlisted April 15, 1864. He was captured at Farmville on April 6 (apparently 1865) and was paroled on June 12, 1865. There is also a large family photograph in the center, presumably of Mr. Frazer & his family.

CONDITION: Revolver is a dark gray patina with moderate pitting around the muzzle & forcing cone area. Grip is fine, showing moderate to heavy wear, missing the lanyard loop. Handspring or hand is damaged & cylinder does not rotate. Strong dark bore. Holster is suffering from dry rot and the flap has been detached from the body of the holster. Stitching is mostly gone. Two envelopes are yellowed with age with one being slightly water stained, but generally all legible. 4-57096 JR426 (6,000-10,000)

Auction: Firearms - Fall 2005

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.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	3110	$7,475.00	RARE AUTHENTIC IDENTIFIED CONFEDERATE KERR REVOLVER. Cal. 44. SN E576. Usual configuration with 5-3/4″ ovoid shaped hexagonal bbl with brass pin front sight. It has checkered 1-pc walnut grip with the usual markings in the usual places with “Kerr’s Patent 4605” engraved on the right side of the frame and the number “4605” on the cylinder. Serial number is stamped inside the bottom of the frame & inside the trigger guard. It also has the initials “JS” surmounting an anchor stamped in the wood just below the lower tang (recognized as a Confederate inspection mark). It is accompanied by a converted silverware chest which contains a leather flap holster identified by renowned Confederate expert, John Sexton, as being precisely identical to those known & identified holsters that were manufactured at the Atlanta arsenal. This specimen is unmarked but Mr. Sexton believes it could have been made there, but regardless, is definitely Confederate. Lid contains two Civil War envelopes addressed to “Francis R. Fraser” and dated in 1864. It appears that Fraser was in the 56th Virginia Regiment, Hunton’s Brigade, Pickett’s Division in Richmond, Virginia. Another item is a signed statement by Jerman M. Hunter, 610 Ravenscroft Drive, Petersburg, Virginia, wherein he states that “The Kerr pistol with serial number 4605 in its holster was carried by my grandfather, Private Francis R. Frazer of Brunswick County, Virginia. He was in Company E of the 56th Regiment of Virginia Infantry. Francis R. Frazer married Jennie G. Haskins. This gun was obtained from their daughter, Pattie Wheeler Frazer who married my father, Palmer J. Hunter. She was from Rawlings Sidling near Concord Church in Brunswick County. I, Jerman M. Hunter of 610 Ravenscroft Drive, Petersburg, Virginia certify the above is true.” Signed & Dated 3 April 85. Apparently Mr. Hunter or the person who wrote the letters were confused regarding the spelling of the last name and Mr. Hunter had also confused the patent number with the serial number, which is a common mistake when dealing with Kerr revolvers. Another card in the case details Frazer’s service with the Confederacy as having enlisted April 15, 1864. He was captured at Farmville on April 6 (apparently 1865) and was paroled on June 12, 1865. There is also a large family photograph in the center, presumably of Mr. Frazer & his family. CONDITION: Revolver is a dark gray patina with moderate pitting around the muzzle & forcing cone area. Grip is fine, showing moderate to heavy wear, missing the lanyard loop. Handspring or hand is damaged & cylinder does not rotate. Strong dark bore. Holster is suffering from dry rot and the flap has been detached from the body of the holster. Stitching is mostly gone. Two envelopes are yellowed with age with one being slightly water stained, but generally all legible. 4-57096 JR426 (6,000-10,000) Auction: Firearms - Fall 2005 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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