INSCRIBED PRESENTATION COLT ARMY REVOLVER FROM LT. COL. W.H. CHAPMAN, MOSBY’S RANGERS

INSCRIBED PRESENTATION COLT ARMY REVOLVER FROM LT. COL. W.H. CHAPMAN, MOSBY’S RANGERS

01-25605
Cal. 44
S# 121252

Standard configuration of U.S. cavalry mid-1863 issued revolver, 8″ barrel inscribed on back of trigger guard “A.S.W. from W. H. Chapman Lt. Col. Mosby’s Command”. William Henry Chapman (1840-1929) rose through the ranks of Mosby’s 43rd Partisan Rangers from Lieutenant in 1861 to 2nd in command as Lieutenant Colonel. A biography on Chapman’s life: “The Edge of Mosby’s Sword” was published in 2009 by Gordon B. Bonan. A brief synopsis of book on Harper’s Ferry NPS website: “Born into a wealthy slave-owning family, Chapman was a student of the fiery secessionist rhetoric of antebellum Virginia who eagerly sought glory and adventure on the battlefields of the Civil War. Bonan traces Chapman’s evolution from an impassioned student at the University of Virginia to an experienced warrior and leader, providing new insight into the officer’s numerous military accomplishments. Explored here are Chapman’s previously overlooked endeavors as a student warrior, leader of the Dixie Artillery, and as second-in-command to Mosby, including his participation in the capture of Harpers Ferry, the battering of Union forces at Second Manassas, and his ferocious raids during the 1864 Shenandoah Valley campaign. Bonan reveals fresh perspectives on the intrepid maneuvers of Mosby’s Rangers, the hardships of war, and Chapman’s crucial role as the right hand of the “Gray Ghost”. But while Mosby recognized him for his bravery and daring, the fame Chapman sought always eluded him. Instead, with his honors and successes came disillusionment and sorrow, as he watched comrades and civilians alike succumb to the terrible toll of the war.” A tag attached to gun reads in part: “This 1860 army model Colt was taken from a northern officer by Lt. Col. WH Chapman second in command of Mosby’s Rangers. Given to Sergeant A.L. Wines in gratitude for Wines having saved Chapman’s life on a raid by shielding him and taking a bullet in the shoulder. This incident is recounted in Mosby’s memoirs…”. Arsted L. Wines (1836-1908) from Fauquier Co, VA was cavalryman in Chapman’s Co. C of Mosby’s 43rd Partisan Rangers. He is listed on rolls 1863-1865, captured March 14, 1865 and to Ft. Warren and deemed a guerrilla, he was held till July 1865. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: tag telling history of revolver, copy of “MOSBY’S RANGERS” by J.D. West. 

STATUS: ANTIQUE