Premier Fine Art & Antiques Auction
August 29, 2023
Below is just a small portion of the massive selection of high quality art & antiques to be featured in our upcoming August 29th 2023 auction! This auction will span multiple genres of collectibles, including Fine Paintings & Art, Jewelry & Silver, Orientalia, Rare Glass & Lamps, Early & Victorian Furniture, Decoys, Carvings, Coin-Op, & MORE!
RARE & FINE CONFEDERATE COFER PERCUSSION REVOLVER MADE FOR CHESAPEAKE LIGHT CAVALRY.
01-21530
S# “N:
Cal. .36
One of the true rarities and among the most coveted revolvers in Confederate collecting is the brass framed percussion revolver made in Portsmouth, Virginia by Thomas W. Cofer. There are 13 known military percussion survivors of 82 originally contracted by Capt. Edgar Burrough’s Chesapeake Light Cavalry, Co. “I”, 5th VA Cavalry. Revolvers all saw hard service early in the war as they were received in 2 deliveries, January 1862 (17 revolvers) & May 1862 (65 revolvers). This revolver came from direct descent from Capt. Robert R. Marshall, Military Store Keeper, from Wood County Virginia, his brother Jacob raised his own company which became Co. “I” 19th VA Cavalry.
This is the only Cofer known with identification to a Confederate soldier. Three Cofer’s are identified as captured with Union soldier’s names.
Most of the few extant examples are heavily restored/or poor condition this is one of top few, 100% original and authentic.
Existing percussion Cofers are either uniquely numbered or lettered; existing authentic examples are 1, 11, 13, F, L, M, N, T, V and 4 examples are unmarked. 4 of 13 examples are in museums and one is unknown since 1934.
For a Confederate revolver, this is a very fine example with crisp markings, smooth patina with traces of finish. The grips have been personalized by Capt. Marshall with elegant carved decoration This revolver has only been in one collection since it left the family who had it since the war.
PROVENANCE:
Capt. Robert Ruth Marshall (1826-1896)
Harold J. Marshall II (great-great-grandson)
Zack Catterton collection 1999
STATUS: ANTIQUE
